Actuator Specialist

The Actuator Assembly Specialist will collaborate with dynamic engineers to support the design and development of both externally purchased and in-house manufactured actuators. This role demands an in-depth expertise in various actuator technology, various actuator architectures for all driveline and axle products, including electrified products; typical actuation functions involve locking differentials, electronic limited slip differentials, disconnecting differentials, disconnecting shafts, torque transfer clutch devices, park lock actuation, gear shift actuation, range shift actuation, etc. This also includes disconnects such as front axle disconnects, integrated differential disconnects, integrated to output shaft, bolt on to gear reducer and Wheel-end Disconnect systems. Key responsibilities include supporting engineers across multiple programs to ensure the delivery of a balanced, integrated, and validated system that meets stringent functional, performance, and durability requirements. The specialist will leverage their expertise to optimize the designs and contribute to innovative solutions for improved performance and reliability.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Support: Provide expert technical support to resolve issues and answer inquiries related to actuation systems.
• Supplier Design Approvals: Drive approvals for supplier design selection through appropriate assessments and adherence to engineering best practices.
• Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholder teams such as NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), durability, vehicle dynamics, packaging, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration and performance.
• Best Practices and Documentation: Create, implement, and manage engineering best practices, including the development and maintenance of core DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP (Design Verification Plan) documents related to actuators.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek opportunities to improve gear reducer designs, processes, and products through innovative solutions and best practices.
• Technical Specification: Assist engineers in generating detailed system and sub-system technical specifications (SSTS/TTS) to ensure functional objectives are met. Manage these documents to ensure alignment of requirements with supplier base.
• Mentoring: Mentor gear reducer DRE's on make vs buy reducer responsibilities and their role in the PSDP process. Clearly define and communicate the roles and responsibilities of DRE in the ownership of PSK's, ensuring thorough understanding and accountability.
• Total Warranty Cost Reduction: Identify areas of improvement to reduce total warranty costs and propose technical solutions.
• Industry Competitiveness: Ensure the gear reducer's competitiveness in terms of mass, efficiency, torque, power, NVH, and cost.
• Intellectual Property Development: Propose the development of intellectual property (e.g., patents, NDAs, EBPs) as a result of product innovation.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics or Mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience working on actuation systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve technical issues and optimize designs.
• In-depth expertise in experience in systems engineering and actuation / mechatronics subsystem integration of mechanical HW, electrical HW, and software/controls, with demonstrated results.
• Ability to author system/component level requirements.
• Strong interpersonal communication, adaptable to work on multiple programs, proactive and driven for results.
• Understanding of root cause analysis tools like fish bone analysis, Is-Is not, 3L5Y, Red X, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree or Ph.D. in Applied Physics or Mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent.
• DFSS green belt certification.
• Demonstrated working level experience in decomposing intended function into requirements.
• Working experience with in-vehicle problem diagnosis and NVH evaluations.
• Hydraulics-related actuation experience highly desired
• Knowledge of CAE/CFD to collaborate with virtual analysis teams.
• Knowledge of ASPICE
• Knowledge of Functional Safety ASIL per ISO-26262
• Thorough understanding of vehicle functions and general vehicle and propulsion systems / driveline architectures
• Understanding of typical automotive manufacturing and quality processes
• Assembly and computer aided design (NX / CATIA).
• Experience with Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Experience with Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R)
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Ability to Deal with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving Oriented.