Powertrain Engineering Manager Job Listing at Kelly Services in Southfield, MI (Job ID 10138344)

Description

Kelly® Engineering is seeking a Powertrain Engineering Manager for a direct-hire opportunity with a global, multi-division manufacturer serving the automotive and industrial mobility markets in Southfield, MI. If you are passionate about advanced driveline systems and ready to lead high-impact engineering initiatives, trust the experts at hiring experts.

Compensation
$150,000 - $175,000 annually

Overview
Our client is a diversified manufacturing organization specializing in precision-engineered powertrain, driveline, and motion control systems. Supporting high-volume automotive and industrial programs worldwide, the company integrates advanced gear technology, metallurgy, and manufacturing expertise to deliver durable, high-performance transmission solutions.

This role serves as the technical leader for gear and bearing engineering, bridging theoretical design principles with scalable production. The Technical Manager will oversee gear system development—particularly hypoid and spiral bevel applications—while leading a team of engineers responsible for design integrity, manufacturability, durability, and quality performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for gear systems including hypoid, spiral bevel, helical, worm, and planetary configurations.
• Lead gear geometry development, including tooth contact analysis (TCA), micro-geometry optimization, and ease-off modifications.
• Oversee bearing selection and system integration, including L10 life calculations, preload strategy, and mesh deflection analysis.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), including grinding, lapping, and heat treatment considerations.
• Interpret inspection data (GMM/CMM) and lead root-cause investigations related to noise, vibration, durability, or field performance.
• Manage multiple automotive and industrial programs, ensuring technical deliverables, budgets, and timelines are met.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff, fostering technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts using methodologies such as 8D and 5-Why.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in gear design and manufacturing within automotive or industrial transmission environments.
• 3+ years of formal engineering leadership or management experience.
• Advanced expertise in hypoid and spiral bevel gear systems.
• Proficiency with industry tools such as KISSsoft, MASTA, Romax, Transmission3D, or Gleason/Klingelnberg software platforms.
• Strong knowledge of gear metallurgy, including carburizing, quenching, and shot peening processes.
• Experience working with Gleason and/or Klingelnberg manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable direction for cross-functional teams.

Company Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

What happens next:
Once you apply, you'll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don't worry – even if this position doesn't work out, you're still in the Kelly Engineering network. That means our team of expert engineering recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.

 

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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