Driveline Systems Engineer
ND Defense builds military and commercial vehicles, from tactical wheeled vehicles to heavy trucks. As our Driveline Systems Engineer, you’ll own the driveline and power take-off (PTO) systems across several vehicle programs, some modifying existing platforms and some building new vehicles from commercial and modified-commercial components. The job mixes design, analysis, supplier work, and hands-on prototype support. Priorities shift often, so the people who do well here can move between programs without losing track of the details.
Military vehicle experience is not required. If you’ve done driveline or chassis work on trucks, heavy equipment, or automotive programs, we’ll get you up to speed on military standards and ITAR handling.
What You’ll Do
- Specify, select, and integrate driveline components, including transmissions, driveshafts, transfer cases, axles, wheel ends, tires, PTO systems, and electric or hybrid drive content. Design adapters and mounts where off-the-shelf parts don’t fit.
- Run driveline analysis such as driveline angles, U-joint phasing, torsional and critical-speed checks, ratio selection, and gradeability, and confirm designs meet customer and military requirements.
- Work with suppliers on component selection, application approval, and production readiness, often across several programs at once.
- Release drawings, specifications, and BOMs, and direct CAD designers on driveline work.
- Get out on the shop floor during builds and testing to solve fit and assembly issues as they come up.
- Find root causes of vibration, durability, and field issues and see the fixes through.
- Help build our driveline design standards and documentation, since our processes are still developing.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
- 3+ years of driveline, powertrain, or chassis engineering experience in automotive, defense, or heavy vehicle work
- Comfort reviewing 3D CAD models and drawings (Creo, NX, CATIA, or similar), including large assemblies and clearance checks
- Hybrid or electric drive experience, GD&T, or Six Sigma problem-solving training are a plus
- Interest in using AI tools to speed up engineering work is a plus. You don’t need to walk in already using them.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% for supplier visits, customer reviews, and test events, and to put in extended hours during prototype build milestones
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual
ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
- At least 3 years of driveline, powertrain, or chassis engineering experience in automotive, defense, or heavy vehicle work
- Experience reviewing 3D CAD models and drawings, including large assemblies and clearance checks
- U.S. Person as defined by ITAR, including U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual
- Willingness to travel up to 10% for supplier visits, customer reviews, and test events
- Hybrid or electric drive experience
- GD&T experience
- Six Sigma problem-solving training
- Interest in using AI tools to accelerate engineering work
What We Do
ND Defense provides precision manufacturing and engineering for defense and commercial customers. Its work spans tactical wheeled vehicles—including MRAP and military commercial off-the-shelf platforms—integrated systems, electronic assemblies, and lifecycle support. The company also serves maritime, aerospace, energy, and medical markets, combining advanced manufacturing, engineering, and support services to deliver reliable, mission-critical products for military and other demanding operations.
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