Technical Specialist – Automotive Wheel Bearings

About the position

Technical Specialist – Automotive Wheel Bearings Seniority Level: Senior Manager / Director (dependent on experience) Location: Detroit, MI Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 4 days onsite / 1 day remote Travel: Up to 25% (primarily local OEM engineering centers) Salary: $175,000 base Job Overview We are working with a globally established automotive supplier specializing in chassis and wheel-end technologies for major OEMs. The company has decades of experience, strong global R&D investment, and close partnerships across North America, Europe, and Asia. This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role focused on wheel bearing applications. The Technical Specialist will act as the technical authority for OEM programs while helping define long-term product and technology strategy. This role is customer-facing and product-focused, not a desk-only position. Key Responsibilities Serve as senior technical lead for OEM customer programs with a focus on wheel bearing applications Act as the technical face of the organization to North American OEMs (GM, Ford, Stellantis) Develop and influence technical specifications for new and future applications Support and guide regional and global program development activities Define and execute long-term technical and product strategies for the wheel bearing portfolio Lead technical discussions, design reviews, validation planning, and issue resolution with customers and suppliers Analyze customer application data and perform detailed application calculations Translate customer requirements into internal actions across design, testing, manufacturing, materials, sealing, sensors, and prototyping Support new product introductions, reliability improvements, cost optimization, and efficiency initiatives Participate in technical brainstorming and innovation activities Generate and support intellectual property development Present technical concepts, products, and capabilities to customers and senior management Collaborate with global engineering teams in Europe and Asia (may include off-hours meetings) Engage with industry organizations and technical forums (e.g., SAE) Provide regular updates to senior leadership and establish quarterly and annual technical objectives Support plant activities and limited international travel as required Required Qualifications Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience 10–15+ years of direct experience with automotive wheel bearing products Strong understanding of wheel-end, braking, and chassis systems Experience in automotive design, validation, failure analysis, and manufacturing processes Proven hands-on problem-solving capability in complex technical environments Experience working with major OEM procedures and Tier 1 suppliers Strong communication skills with customers, suppliers, and internal teams Comfortable working in global, multicultural engineering organizations Technical Knowledge Required GD&T DFMEA, DVP&R, APQP DFSS, DFA/DFM, VAVE Problem-solving methodologies: 8D, DMAIC, 5-Why, DRBFM, Shainin Industry standards: ISO, ANSI, ASME, ASTM Preferred Qualifications Masters degree in Engineering or Business DFSS Black Belt certification Hands-on automotive experience (ASE certification or equivalent practical background) Work Environment & Culture Hybrid schedule with flexibility based on customer needs High-visibility role with strong influence on product and technology direction Entrepreneurial, fast-moving environment Minimal bureaucracy with strong emphasis on ownership and results Compensation & Benefits $175,000 base salary 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4% (Traditional and Roth options) BCBS PPO medical coverage with low out-of-pocket cost for employee and family Generous paid time off and flexible sick time Mileage reimbursement or access to company pool vehicles for work travel

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