Job Title: Design Engineer – Axle and Powertrain Components
Job Description
This role focuses on the design and development of axle and powertrain components for automotive applications, using advanced CAD and PLM tools. You will independently own design responsibilities for complex mechanical parts, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and support the full lifecycle of components from concept through validation and field issue resolution. The position suits an engineer with strong 3D modeling skills, a solid understanding of engineering drawings and tolerances, and experience working with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop axle components such as castings, forgings, shafts, and sheet metal parts for automotive applications.
- Create and modify complex housings in aluminum alloy, cast iron, or plastic, as well as plastic and steel tubes, support brackets, and related structures.
- Use NX (UG NX) for solid modeling, tubing/mechanical routing, sheet metal design, drafting, and preparation of detailed engineering drawings.
- Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure accurate, manufacturable, and robust designs.
- Collaborate with CAE teams and use CAE (structural) modules to support simulation, validation, and design optimization activities.
- Manage design data within PLM tools, ensuring proper configuration control and adherence to lifecycle management processes.
- Independently handle design responsibility for assigned automotive components, from concept through release and change management.
- Support lifecycle management of automotive parts (including CVDS), providing interim and long-term design solutions for axle components.
- Contribute to technical expertise in development and field failure management by analyzing issues and implementing corrective design actions.
- Prepare and maintain clear, accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, models, and supporting reports.
- Participate actively in team and cross-functional meetings, present design status, and contribute to technical discussions and decision-making.
- Prepare Minutes of Meeting, track action items, and prioritize tasks based on changing project requirements and timelines.
- Engage in stakeholder management, communicating effectively with internal and external partners to align on requirements and deliverables.
- Work in accordance with quality management system (QMS) requirements and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Adapt to changing project scenarios, understand dependencies between tasks, and adjust priorities while maintaining delivery commitments.
- Demonstrate straightforward, professional communication, while being assertive, a good listener, and a co-creative team member.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Production Engineering (minimum BE).
- Up to 5 years of overall experience in the automotive industry, with a minimum of 2–4 years in an OEM or Tier 1 environment.
- Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on experience with NX (UG NX) for 3D modeling and design.
- Proficiency in NX modules including solid modeling, tubing/mechanical routing, sheet metal, drafting, and CAE (structural).
- Strong subject knowledge in the design and development of axle components such as castings, forgings, shafts, and sheet metal parts.
- Experience in designing complex housings made of aluminum alloy, cast iron, or plastic, as well as plastic and steel tubes and support brackets.
- Good understanding of engineering drawings and standards, with the ability to produce clear and accurate documentation.
- Good knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances (GD&T).
- Experience with PLM tools, with the ability to manage design data and configurations (experience with any PLM tool is acceptable).
- Fluent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated ability to independently handle design responsibility for automotive components.
- Awareness of quality management system (QMS) requirements and their application in design and development.
- Technical expertise related to powertrain and engine components, particularly in the context of axle and drivetrain systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Knowledge of CAE simulation and validation processes, with the ability to interpret results and support design optimization.
- Experience in lifecycle management of automotive parts, including CVDS, and understanding of interim and long-term solution strategies for axle components.
- Exposure to field failure management, including root cause analysis and implementation of design improvements.
- Proficiency with MS Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, for reporting and presentations.
- Experience with Agile methodologies or tools in an engineering or product development context.
- Co-creative mindset combined with the ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
- Ability to present effectively in group meetings, communicate design intent clearly, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience preparing Minutes of Meeting, documenting decisions, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Strong task prioritization skills and a flexible approach to managing changing project requirements.
- Ability to understand and manage dependencies between tasks, projects, and stakeholders.
- Assertive communication style combined with good listening skills and a straightforward, professional approach.
Work Environment
The role is based in an engineering environment focused on automotive powertrain and axle systems, working closely with cross-functional teams such as design, CAE, quality, and field support. You will use NX (UG NX) for 3D modeling and drafting, PLM tools for data and lifecycle management, and MS Office applications for documentation and presentations. Work typically follows structured quality management system (QMS) processes and may involve Agile practices for project execution. The environment values clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a co-creative yet self-driven working style, with an expectation to adapt to changing priorities and project needs.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, Diversity And Inclusion Are a Bridge Towards The Equity And Success Of Our People. DE&I Is Embedded Into Our Culture Through
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
