Head of Powertrain Development Engineering (Onsite - Plymouth, MI)

MAHLE Powertrain is a global engineering consultancy and part of the wider MAHLE Group, specializing in the design, development, and integration of both advanced internal combustion engines and electric powertrain systems. Leading the development in ICE, Electro-mobility, and future propulsion technologies, the goal is to optimize powertrains, systems, and components so that they work more efficiently, economically, and produce fewer emissions. MAHLE Powertrain supports vehicle manufacturers across all development phases: from initial trials through to prototype construction, implementation of series production, and subsequent optimizations of the solution reached.

MAHLE Powertrain supports customers all over the world and was the first service supplier to gain approval from the Vehicle Certification Agency for the so-called Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test routes, a new vehicle emissions testing procedure for Europe. MAHLE Powertrain is at the forefront of test procedure development to provide ever greater support to the auto industry over the coming years.

Your Contribution 

The Head of Powertrain Development Engineering is responsible for the delivery of the EP with respect to sales and budget, or better, for the Development department using available resources and business relationships. Guided by the strategic and business objectives of the business. Definition of the US strategic investment, budgets and technical skills required to meet customer and market needs in the 5-to-10-year timeframe. The role requires unique ideas and solutions to enable a competitive future business. Development of customer relations through successful delivery of projects and proactive sales actions.

• Strategic definition of the investment needs for MPT US for the 5 -10 year period, specifically focusing on the rapid change to low carbon technologies for the group. This includes the development of business cases/justifications to be presented at board level. It requires the unique and class leading design and specification that will maintain MPT’s competitiveness.

• Leading the development of technical powertrain development and testing processes to increase efficiency and quality and deliver projects to the customers satisfaction and maintain MPT as a technical leader in the field. Transfer of this knowledge and liaison with the global MPT test and development groups.

• Proactive leadership of the development team, including management of resources and skills to win and deliver projects. Interaction with, and leadership of, the other departments where projects involve cross functional teams either within MPT US, MAHLE globally or with external partners.

• Responsibility for meeting or exceeding the economic plan objectives for the department, specifically the sales and operating result targets with limited guidance from senior management. Responsibility to propose and implement solutions to correct deviations.

• Setting the strategic plan and budgets for the group based on a thorough understanding of the market, customer base and capabilities.

• Leading the quotation process for development projects, included scope, timing and budget definition, risk and contingency planning and proposal approval. This includes justification of sales and project operating result to senior management per ASG guidelines.

• Technical presentations to customers to justify MPT’s capabilities and experience and hence develop business opportunities.

• Full department responsibility for the department including performance review, discipline, headcount adjustment, recruitment etc.

• Application of, and input into, health and safety policies by the entire team for the facilities.

• Responsibility for maintaining MPT’s US CARB and EPA certification standards including processes, measurement controls and reporting.

• Maintain awareness of and input into the Company Quality System.

• Required to observe all safety rules and regulations. Must act safely and be responsible for the safety of others around the work area.

• Employees duties are not limited to those stated above, but are inclusive of any tasks assigned by General Manager.

Your Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Mechanical Engineering is required; Masters degree is preferred. PhD is a plus

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the powertrain test and development field is required

• 5 or more years of experience in an engineering services business like MPT with demonstratable ability to deliver projects on time, meeting profit margin expectations is required 

• Significant line management responsibility including both engineers and technician staff with a proven ability to influence, direct and motivate team members to achieve objectives is required

• Hybrid, Battery and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Motor experience is required

• Propulsion systems expertise (including Controls) is highly desired

• Experience of working with external suppliers to achieve project and longer-term capital investments is required

• Detailed knowledge of state-of-the-art test and development processes and powertrain technologies plus the ability to apply first principles to propose solutions to achieve customer objectives 

• Ability to lead sales activities with a proven ability to win large engineering programs, including customer interaction at a senior level, technical presentations, and quotations

Our Offering 

We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

After receiving your online application, the interview process will typically be, a screening call followed by Personal Interview(s)

For more information about MAHLE and what a career with us looks like for you, click here. and to learn more about our foundation owned technology group click here.

#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.