Tata Technologies
Chief Engineer Machine Design (IC & Electric Powertrain, Autonomous Systems)
Tata Technologies, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
The Chief Engineer Machine Design (IC & Electric Powertrain, Autonomous Systems) is responsible for the end-to-end technical leadership of advanced heavy machinery platforms powered by both IC and electric powertrains, while integrating autonomous system capabilities. This role ensures product innovation, system-level performance, and technology readiness across multiple machine programs including excavators, wheel loaders, haulers, and other off-highway vehicles. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical engineering knowledge with strong understanding of electrified systems and machine automation technologies. Education
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. Experience
20+ years in heavy equipment design, with significant leadership roles in both IC-powered and electrified machine development. Experience leading machine programs with integrated autonomous features or operator-assist technologies. Expertise in mechanical systems design for off-highway vehicles: structures, chassis, suspensions, powertrains. Strong knowledge of diesel engines, electrified powertrains, battery systems, and high-voltage architecture. Familiarity with autonomous system integration: sensors, actuators, system safety, and HMI. Key Responsibilities
Technical Ownership IC & Electric Machine Platforms
Lead design and system integration for machines with both traditional diesel IC engines and next-gen electric or hybrid-electric powertrains. Make architecture-level decisions for modular platforms supporting multiple propulsion systems (IC, battery-electric, hybrid). Ensure designs meet requirements for power delivery, durability, energy efficiency, emissions compliance, and manufacturability. Guide the integration of high-voltage systems, batteries, inverters, and e-axles into vehicle architectures. Balance mechanical packaging, weight distribution, and thermal management challenges for electric systems. Evaluate trade-offs between IC and electric systems based on market, application, and infrastructure readiness. Lead mechanical and system design to support integration of autonomous features (sensor mounting, actuator design, drive-by-wire systems). Collaborate with autonomy and controls teams on perception, path planning, and motion control integration. Ensure design supports scalability for varying levels of autonomy (manual, operator-assisted, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous).
System Integration & Product Validation
Drive full machine-level integration of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and software systems. Approve design validation plans (DVP&R), ensuring performance, safety, and compliance testing across IC and electric variants. Ensure adherence to safety standards such as ISO 13849 (functional safety), ISO 26262 (road vehicles), and regional emissions regulations (EPA, EU Stage V).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with software, controls, hydraulics, digital solutions, and manufacturing teams. Engage early with procurement and supply chain to align design with sourcing strategies and cost targets. Collaborate with external technology partners, suppliers, and research institutions.
Strategic Leadership & Innovation
Define the technical roadmap for future machine design incorporating modular powertrains and autonomy. Promote design reuse, platform standardization, and digital engineering approaches (MBSE, digital twins). Stay abreast of emerging trends in electrification, autonomy, and sustainability. Mentor lead engineers and senior designers across mechanical, electrical, and systems domains. Foster a high-performance culture grounded in safety, quality, innovation, and accountability.
Preferred Backgrounds
Experience with OEMs in construction, mining, or agricultural machinery. Past involvement in cross-platform product launches covering diesel and electric configurations. Exposure to machine connectivity, predictive diagnostics, and digital product features. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Manufacturing Industries: Engineering Services, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, and Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Chief Engineer Machine Design (IC & Electric Powertrain, Autonomous Systems) is responsible for the end-to-end technical leadership of advanced heavy machinery platforms powered by both IC and electric powertrains, while integrating autonomous system capabilities. This role ensures product innovation, system-level performance, and technology readiness across multiple machine programs including excavators, wheel loaders, haulers, and other off-highway vehicles. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical engineering knowledge with strong understanding of electrified systems and machine automation technologies. Education
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. Experience
20+ years in heavy equipment design, with significant leadership roles in both IC-powered and electrified machine development. Experience leading machine programs with integrated autonomous features or operator-assist technologies. Expertise in mechanical systems design for off-highway vehicles: structures, chassis, suspensions, powertrains. Strong knowledge of diesel engines, electrified powertrains, battery systems, and high-voltage architecture. Familiarity with autonomous system integration: sensors, actuators, system safety, and HMI. Key Responsibilities
Technical Ownership IC & Electric Machine Platforms
Lead design and system integration for machines with both traditional diesel IC engines and next-gen electric or hybrid-electric powertrains. Make architecture-level decisions for modular platforms supporting multiple propulsion systems (IC, battery-electric, hybrid). Ensure designs meet requirements for power delivery, durability, energy efficiency, emissions compliance, and manufacturability. Guide the integration of high-voltage systems, batteries, inverters, and e-axles into vehicle architectures. Balance mechanical packaging, weight distribution, and thermal management challenges for electric systems. Evaluate trade-offs between IC and electric systems based on market, application, and infrastructure readiness. Lead mechanical and system design to support integration of autonomous features (sensor mounting, actuator design, drive-by-wire systems). Collaborate with autonomy and controls teams on perception, path planning, and motion control integration. Ensure design supports scalability for varying levels of autonomy (manual, operator-assisted, semi-autonomous, fully autonomous).
System Integration & Product Validation
Drive full machine-level integration of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and software systems. Approve design validation plans (DVP&R), ensuring performance, safety, and compliance testing across IC and electric variants. Ensure adherence to safety standards such as ISO 13849 (functional safety), ISO 26262 (road vehicles), and regional emissions regulations (EPA, EU Stage V).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with software, controls, hydraulics, digital solutions, and manufacturing teams. Engage early with procurement and supply chain to align design with sourcing strategies and cost targets. Collaborate with external technology partners, suppliers, and research institutions.
Strategic Leadership & Innovation
Define the technical roadmap for future machine design incorporating modular powertrains and autonomy. Promote design reuse, platform standardization, and digital engineering approaches (MBSE, digital twins). Stay abreast of emerging trends in electrification, autonomy, and sustainability. Mentor lead engineers and senior designers across mechanical, electrical, and systems domains. Foster a high-performance culture grounded in safety, quality, innovation, and accountability.
Preferred Backgrounds
Experience with OEMs in construction, mining, or agricultural machinery. Past involvement in cross-platform product launches covering diesel and electric configurations. Exposure to machine connectivity, predictive diagnostics, and digital product features. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Manufacturing Industries: Engineering Services, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, and Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr