Lead - Front Axle & Steering System Design

Role Summary:

QUCEV is building next-generation electric mobility solutions, and we are looking for a Lead/Manager, who will oversee end-to-end design, development, validation, and release of front axle and steering systems for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles. The role requires concept design, detailed engineering, validation, cost optimization, and design release in alignment with QUCEVs product roadmap and quality standards, strong engineering depth, cross functional leadership, and the ability to deliver robust, cost-effective designs aligned with vehicle performance, durability, and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Axle & Steering System Design Leadership

• Lead end-to-end design of truck / Bus front axles & steering system, including:
• Axle housing (cast/forged/fabricated)
• Axle beam, hubs, wheel-end components
• Bearings, seals, brake interfaces
• steering linkages, stg gear box and chassis mounting brackets
• Vehicle layout and Articulation study.
• Drive design decisions based on performance, durability, NVH, cost and manufacturability.
• Expert in Reverse Engineering and Benchmarking, with hands-on experience in teardown analysis, competitor product evaluation, component measurement, material/geometry study, and translating insights into improved axle and steering designs.

2. Detailed Engineering & Documentation

• Oversee creation and release of:
• 3D models & 2D drawings (Creo)
• GD&T, tolerance analysis, stack-up calculations
• Part, system & Vehicle level DMU packaging, DVP, DFMEA, performance calculations.
• Engineering BOMs and part lists
• Ensure compliance with QUCEV internal standards and global engineering norms.

3. CAE / Simulation Coordination

• Work closely with CAE teams for:
• Structural & fatigue FEA
• Bearing-life calculations
• NVH & thermal analysis
• Translate simulation outcomes into robust design improvements.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with:
• Manufacturing (DFM/DFA & tooling feasibility)
• Supplier Quality & Procurement (castings, forgings, gear suppliers)
• Vehicle Integration (match axle to chassis & driveline)
• Testing & Validation (dyno, rig testing, road endurance)
• Support prototype builds and pilot assembly.

5. Testing & Validation Oversight

• Define validation test plans for axles & driveline components.
• Review test results (endurance, load, road tests) and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure designs meet performance targets before SOP (Start of Production).

6. Cost & Weight Optimization

• Lead cost reduction through:
• Material optimization
• Process improvements
• Part standardization
• Supplier consolidation
• Drive lightweighting initiatives to enhance Battery power consumption efficiency.

7. Team Leadership & Project Management

• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and program milestones.
• Report progress to senior leadership and vehicle program teams.

8. Compliance & Innovation

• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, AIS/CMVR requirements, axle load norms, and global standards.
• Promote innovation in axle design (e-axles, lightweight housings, advanced materials).
• Contribute to patent filings and technology development.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Automobile Engineering
• Certifications in GD&T, DFMEA, or CAE tools are an advantage

Experience Required

• 1012 years experience in Front axle, Steering system design
• Experience in commercial vehicle axle systems is strongly preferred.
• Casting and Forging parts design & development experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of axle systems, gearing, wheel-end systems & driveline layouts
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Creo), 2D & 3D with GD&T Dimensions, Tolerance stack up
• Understanding of CAE interpretation (FEA, fatigue, NVH)
• DFM, DFA, DFS & SAM review with internal / external CFT & Suppliers.
• Strong fundamentals in engineering mechanics, material selection & Machining
• Familiarity with APQP, DFMEA, PPAP, design release & PLM systems

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong communication & decision-making ability
• Problem-solving & analytical thinking
• Cross-functional coordination
• Customer & program-focused mindset

KPIs / Performance Metrics

• Design release vs. schedule adherence
• Weight & cost target achievement
• First-Time-Right (FTR) validation success
• Warranty reduction & field issue resolution
• Innovation submissions (design improvements/patents)