NASI - Sr. Research & Development Engineer

Job Summary
Taking ownership with minimal instructions and leveraging industry knowledge and technical expertise, the Senior Engineer will lead one (1) or more projects according to needs related to the Connected Car team. Collaborates cross-functionally with other Subaru entities and business functions such as Subaru Corporation (SBR), Subaru of America (SOA), and Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA); the level of interaction with SBR, SOA, and SIA is expected to be higher than that of first-level Engineers. Reviews the work of first-level Engineers and interns as well as leads some mid-impact projects as a contact person, including communication with vendors. Takes the lead in performance evaluations with minimal supervision and demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with less experienced colleagues. Generates new, unique ideas to improve work and products. Shows a strong sense of responsibility and exhibits reliability in completing tasks on time without compromising quality. Approximately, core duties will involve 70% execution of tasks (evaluation, research, reporting, etc.), and 30% project oversight.

Job Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities: Project Responsibilities
• Leads some mid-impact projects, allocating tasks to other team members.
• Progresses in projects as directed by more experienced team members.
• Suggests target specifications with evidence of market need.
• Independently identifies the next step in each project.
• Collaborates with other engineers and managers when encountering an issue.

Primary Responsibilities: Process Improvement
• Streams test methods.
• Improving procedures.
• Enhancing efficient allocation of time.
• Automation of data collection/processing.
• Suggestion of projects to better achieve team goals.

Primary Responsibilities: Mentoring and Professional Development
• Reviews the work of first-level Engineers and interns.
• Teaching organizational knowledge.
• Instruction on using company systems.
• Using workload from current projects to teach interns/new engineers while making beneficial progress.
• Develops professional skills beneficial to the team’s current and future goals by taking classes/courses.

Primary Responsibilities: Near-Production Vehicles
• Organizes and conducts evaluation of preproduction vehicles and makes final recommendations before mass production.

Primary Responsibilities: Future Production Vehicles
• Researches industry trends and future customer needs to make recommendations for new vehicles in development.
• Organizes and conducts testing in U.S. environment of early phases of prototype test benches and makes recommendations directly to development and target performance.

Primary Responsibilities: Customer Clinic and Surveys
• Leads customer clinic and surveys to learn about customer opinion of current products and to get feedback on potential products.

Primary Responsibilities: Vendor Management
• Coordinates projects with new and existing vendors under supervision of management.

Primary Responsibilities: Competitor Benchmarking
• Identifies appropriate competitor vehicles for benchmarking and evaluates them to learn strengths and weaknesses.
• Uses data and experience to find enhancement opportunities for Subaru vehicles.

Primary Responsibilities: Intellectual Property
• Produces patentable intellectual property.

Job Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent multidisciplinary subject (Required)
OR
H.S. Diploma and equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree (Required)

Work Experience
At least 4–6 years of relevant work experience (with BA degree) (Required)
OR
At least 2–4 years of relevant work experience (with MA degree) (Required)
OR
At least 8–10 years of relevant work experience (if no degree) (Required)

Skills
• Expert-level skills necessary to complete daily tasks and basic skills to assist with other aspects of team’s projects.
• Good understanding of U.S. customer interest/trends based on demographics.
• Detailed understanding of technical topics related to active assigned projects.
• Proficient in Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Analytical, conceptual, communication, multitasking, and troubleshooting skills.

Work Environment
• Office Location: Van Buren Township, MI
• Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $82,000 – $90,000 / year. Individual pay is determined based on job-related skills, experience, and education. This role is bonus‑eligible (Internal Job Grade: P2).

WHY JOIN US?

Total Rewards & Benefits
• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings
• 15 Vacation days, 5 Floating Holidays, 5 Sick days, and 9 Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15,000 yearly benefit
• Vehicle Discount Programs

Learning & Development
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Direct partnership with senior leadership
• Formal Mentorship Program
• LinkedIn Learning License

Visit our careers landing page for additional information about compensation and benefit programs.

About Subaru
• Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru®. Subaru strives to be More Than a Car Company® through community engagement and our Subaru Love Promise®.
• Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for innovation, safety, and sustainability since 1953.
• Subaru’s culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and passion for our products. Employees are encouraged to contribute their unique talents to create exceptional vehicles that inspire our customers.