Powertrain Throttle Control / Actuator Release Engineer

The Electronic Throttle Control & Actuator Lead Design & Release Engineer will be responsible for the Core Engine throttle and actuator components on one or more major engine families, including components such as electronic throttle controllers, Delta Pressure Valves, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valves, and other electro-mechanical related  components.  This is a key position within our Core Engine Engineering team and the activities include developing components, managing and directing changes, facilitating continuous improvement in system performance and fuel economy, and carrying out engineering root cause analyses and corrective actions when necessary. The Lead Senior Throttle / Actuator Engineer will work closely with designers and CAE groups to optimize designs and will use the DFMEA to identify and rate risks and build a robust DVP&R to ensure testing is completed to reach reliability goals. The candidate will initiate source packages, hold APQP meetings during the development phase, order prototype parts, carry out and monitor DV and PV testing, and participate in post-test reviews including failure analysis. The engineer is involved in all aspects of product launch including component, system, engine, and vehicle testing, manufacturing reviews, development of service procedures, production launch, change management, and continuous improvement.

The Senior Lead Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the end‑to‑end design, validation, industrialization, and production release of automotive Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems and throttle actuators. This role provides technical leadership across cross‑functional teams and supplier partners and ensures delivery of robust, cost‑effective, and safety‑compliant solutions that meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The role requires deep expertise in mechatronic systems, functional safety, and vehicle launch execution within a highly regulated automotive environment.  It will entail being the Global Technical Expert for Actuators and providing design best practices, lessons learned, and supporting future design direction for new programs.  The Technical Expert also provides guidance to other actuator design and release engineers when needed.

Validation & Verification

Define and approve DV/PV test plans for electronic throttle systems and actuators.

Support bench, environmental, EMC, vibration, and vehicle‑level testing.

Analyze test data, lead root‑cause investigations, and drive corrective actions.

Ensure validation coverage for performance, durability, safety, and diagnostics.

Supplier & Manufacturing Interface

Lead technical engagement with Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 suppliers for ETC and actuator components.

Review and approve supplier designs, DVP&R, PPAP, and manufacturing readiness.

Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to support launch, quality, and yield improvement.

Resolve supplier‑related design, quality, or production issues.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 3 plus years of relevant electronic throttle control and actuator system component design and release experience
• Ability to provide technical mentoring and design direction to junior engineers
• Maintain and lead our Actuator Best Practices and Lessons Learned documentation
• Knowledge of design tools and practices, e.g. CAD, CAE, CFD, FEA, GD&T is required. 
• Ability to perform basic fluid flow rate and sealing pressure calculation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills as well as experience with basic PC software (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Project). 
• Highly self motivated, self-directed, have the ability to manage multiple complex projects, and have a positive attitude
• Good working knowledge of internal combustion engine operations
• Good working knowledge of air flow and fluid mechanics
• 0-20% travel will be required, mostly local, with occasional trips to facilities in the US, Canada and Mexico

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Previous experience in development of automotive fuel systems design and releasing
• Experience with sizing, validating, and releasing electronic throttle controls
• Six Sigma Blackbelt or Greenbelt certification
• Reactive Greenbelt certification