Project Engineer - Combustion Engines

WASEYABEK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY•Nunica, MI

About The Position

The Project Engineer will lead technical execution across the full project lifecycle for propulsion and power systems programs, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, delivery, and production release. The role involves coordinating with engineering, test lab, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and program management to meet customer and government contract requirements. Programs may involve internal combustion engines, electrification, and hybrid-electric integration. The engineer will manage technical scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables; support design reviews, technical documentation, and test planning and execution; and serve as a technical liaison with government and commercial customers. The position may involve controlled or export-restricted technical data subject to ITAR/EAR requirements. Baker Engineering, LLC designs and develops high-performance technologies, including custom military and commercial engines, integrated powertrains, hybrid power solutions, engine components, and mechanical assemblies. It is a division of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, which is wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a federally recognized Indian Tribe. This is a full-time, exempt position. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time. Relocation expenses can be discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Demonstrated experience designing and developing internal combustion engines and accessories.
Demonstrated experience managing technical scope, schedule, and risk on an engineering development program.
Working knowledge of engineering analysis methods, such as thermal, structural, or performance analysis, and their application to hardware design decisions.
Experience working directly with manufacturing, quality, and supplier organizations to resolve producibility and technical issues.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical status to internal and customer stakeholders.
Proficiency with standard MS Office and project-tracking software.
Mechanical inclination, knowledge of hand tools, critical-thinking skills, and attention to detail.
Must be a U.S. citizen and ITAR compliant.

Nice To Haves

Experience with internal combustion engine control systems and calibration.
Experience with power generation, hybrid and high-voltage EV, propulsion, or drivetrain systems in an industrial, defense, marine, or automotive setting.
Engine test laboratory experience, including instrumentation, setup, and operation.
Proficiency using PTC Creo or other CAD and PLM tools.
Experience with design for manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Own the technical scope, design intent, and configuration of assigned power and propulsion systems from concept through production release.
Plan and direct engineering analyses, including thermal, structural, electrical, and performance analyses, and test programs to validate designs against requirements.
Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring findings are tracked, assigned, and closed.
Coordinate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and suppliers to ensure designs are producible, testable, and deliverable on schedule.
Identify, track, and drive resolution of technical risks and open issues throughout the program lifecycle.
Interpret and apply customer and program requirements to engineering decisions, and communicate technical status, risks, and trade-offs to program management and customers.
Support root-cause investigations for test anomalies, field issues, or non-conformances, and drive corrective actions to closure.
Maintain technical documentation, including design records, analysis reports, and change history, in compliance with company and customer requirements.
Support cost estimating, scheduling, and technical proposal development for new or follow-on program work.
Perform other duties as requested by management.