Technical Specialist - Automotive Wheel Bearings

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