Steering System Engineer

ND DEFENSE LLC • Madison Heights, MI

3d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

ND Defense designs, builds, and manufactures an array of military and commercial products including tactical wheeled vehicles, heavy trucks, and products for multiple other verticals. As our Steering System Engineer, you will work on a wide variety of vehicles across multiple programs. This is a role for someone who is energized by variety rather than worn down by it. Priorities shift, programs compete for attention, and the ability to pivot without losing momentum on the projects already underway is what makes this job work.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in steering system design or vehicle chassis/suspension engineering.
• Working knowledge of steering system principles: hydraulic assist, EPS, column design, and steering geometry.
• Comfortable reviewing and interpreting 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, CATIA) to support fast, sound engineering decisions.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.

Nice To Haves

• Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter; not required on day one, but it will make you stand out.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate steering systems across drive-by-wire conversions and new-vehicle programs, from EPS and hydraulic assist to steer-by-wire actuation.
• Balance multiple steering programs and competing priorities at once, adjusting focus as the business needs shift.
• Solve handling, durability, and integration challenges creatively; there is not always a precedent to follow.
• Help build out steering engineering processes and standards that are still taking shape; this is a role for someone energized by figuring it out, not frustrated by it.
• Support prototype builds and on-vehicle validation, including hands-on troubleshooting on the shop floor.
• Bring enthusiasm for AI tools and automation to streamline analysis and documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level