Engineering Technical Lead – Advanced Modules, Sensing & Mechatronic Hardware Development (Hybrid – Michigan, USA)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a global leader in high‑performance automotive systems, pioneering innovative solutions that power the next generation of vehicles. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and cutting‑edge technology, arenaflex delivers world‑class mechatronic components that integrate seamlessly across electric, hybrid, and autonomous platforms. Our mission is to transform mobility through relentless engineering excellence, collaborative culture, and an unwavering commitment to the customer experience.

Why This Role Matters

As the Engineering Technical Lead – Modules, Sensing & Mechatronic Hardware, you will be the strategic anchor for arenaflex’s hardware ecosystem. You’ll shape the technical roadmap, harmonize supplier partnerships, and lead cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high‑quality components that meet rigorous automotive standards. This role sits at the intersection of hardware architecture, software integration, and systems engineering, making it essential for driving arenaflex’s vision of smarter, safer vehicles.

Position Overview

This hybrid role is based in Warren, Michigan, with an expectation to be on‑site at least three days per week. You will collaborate closely with Technical Specialists, Design Release Engineers, purchasing, program managers, electrical architecture teams, and the broader vehicle subsystem groups. Your influence will extend globally, acting as the voice of technical expertise for mechatronic solutions and championing continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Architecture

• Own and continuously evolve the technology roadmap for modules, sensing, and mechatronic hardware, aligning it with arenaflex’s long‑term product strategy.
• Define and communicate a shared technical and architectural vision to the Agile Release Train (ART), ensuring solutions exceed customer expectations.
• Drive the development of clear complexity strategies for components, balancing innovation with manufacturability and cost constraints.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead Technical Specialist and Hardware meetings, fostering open dialogue and consensus on design, validation, and integration challenges.
• Provide expert guidance during product development team sessions, bridging hardware and software interfaces at the architectural level.
• Partner with Systems Engineering, Advanced Development, and Supplier Management to guarantee tooling, processes, and data are ready for high‑quality outcomes.

Supplier & Quality Management

• Directly interface with the supplier base and purchasing to drive supplier development, qualification, and performance improvement.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of best‑practice documentation, packaging criteria, and read‑across strategies for component reuse.
• Champion the Prevent Repeat Defects (PRD) process, translating field incident investigations into actionable lessons learned.

Validation, Virtualization & Compliance

• Drive virtualization and validation development initiatives, leveraging digital twins and simulation to accelerate time‑to‑market.
• Read across Program SORs, sourcing decisions, and BOM selections to ensure alignment with global requirements.
• Support safety tether PRD resolution, conduct DFMEA/PFMEA/SFMEA roll‑downs, and manage NHTSA recall read‑across activities.

Process Improvement & Knowledge Sharing

• Own the Peer Review process, capturing issues, documenting lessons learned, and collaborating with the Center of Excellence (COE) for continuous improvement.
• Develop robust global requirements artifacts (SSTS, CTS templates) and drive closed‑loop feedback with the enterprise team.
• Promote alignment with software and electrical architecture teams to ensure seamless integration across the vehicle’s digital ecosystem.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline; Master’s preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of progressive engineering experience in automotive mechatronic hardware development, including leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of hardware architecture, sensor integration, module design, and software‑hardware interfaces.
• Industry Standards: Proven experience with functional safety (ISO 26262), quality systems (IATF 16949), and automotive compliance (FMVSS, NHTSA).
• Supplier Management: Demonstrated ability to manage global supplier relationships, drive qualification programs, and negotiate technical specifications.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong analytical skills with a record of leading root‑cause investigations and implementing preventive actions.
• Leadership: Experience facilitating technical meetings, driving consensus, and mentoring junior engineers.

Preferred Qualifications & Added Value

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering field.
• Hands‑on experience with digital twin, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), and virtualization tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, or Altair.
• Background in electric or autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Certifications in project management (PMP, Agile Scrum Master) or functional safety (AFAT, SFQP).
• Published technical papers or patents related to mechatronic systems.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Technical Vision: Ability to foresee technology trends and translate them into actionable roadmaps.
• Communication: Clear, persuasive oral and written communication for diverse audiences—from engineers to senior executives.
• Collaboration: Proven aptitude for influencing cross‑functional stakeholders and fostering a culture of shared ownership.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Proficiency with data analytics, KPI tracking, and performance dashboards.
• Adaptability: Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, hybrid environment with evolving priorities.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is propelled by continuous learning and visibility. In this role you will:

• Be positioned for senior technical leadership (Principal Engineer, Chief Architect) or broader program management pathways.
• Access a global network of experts, technical forums, and mentorship programs.
• Participate in cutting‑edge research projects, industry conferences, and internal innovation challenges.
• Benefit from tuition assistance, certification sponsorships, and a robust internal training platform covering emerging topics such as AI‑driven validation and next‑gen sensor fusion.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex prides itself on a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture. Our Michigan hub blends state‑of‑the‑art labs, agile workspaces, and a supportive hybrid model that respects work‑life balance. Employees experience:

• Open‑door leadership where ideas are welcomed from every level.
• Regular “Tech‑Talk” sessions, hackathons, and cross‑team design sprints.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that foster a sense of belonging.
• Health‑focused amenities, including on‑site fitness centers, wellness programs, and flexible work‑hour policies.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract top talent:

• Market‑aligned base salary with annual performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) plan with generous employer match and financial planning resources.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and flexible vacation policies.
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) and long‑term incentive opportunities.
• Professional development stipend, tuition reimbursement, and certification support.
• Company‑sponsored transportation benefits, commuter subsidies, and on‑site parking.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead a high‑impact engineering team, shape the future of automotive mechatronics, and thrive in a dynamic, hybrid environment, we invite you to submit your application today.

Apply Now – Join arenaflex

Closing Call‑to‑Action

arenaflex is looking for visionary engineers who are passionate about turning complex challenges into elegant, reliable solutions. Your expertise will directly influence the safety and performance of vehicles on roads worldwide. Don’t miss the chance to make a lasting impact—apply now and become a pivotal part of arenaflex’s engineering excellence.