Section Manager Suspension & Axles

International Motors, LLC

$110K — $130K *
Lisle, IL 60532In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in product design/development within R&D
  • Strong technical expertise in suspensions and axles
  • Management experience leading engineering teams or complex projects
  • Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement across cultures
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • Fluent in English; additional languages considered a plus
  • Self-driven and result-oriented with a collaborative mindset

Responsibilities

  • Lead a diverse team of engineers in suspension and axle integration
  • Ensure the section meets legal and project specifications
  • Support product development from concept to production
  • Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
  • Collaborate closely with stakeholders for effective vehicle integration
  • Contribute actively to domain management initiatives
  • Represent the section in cross-functional and cross-brand forums

Benefits

  • Full-time, permanent role within a global R&D environment
  • Opportunity to work in key global locations: USA, Germany, Brazil, Sweden
  • Engagement in cross-brand collaborative projects
  • Access to a diverse and innovative team
  • Participation in ongoing professional development and training programs
Full Job Description
Position Overview

We currently have a great opportunity for a Section Manager - Suspension & Axles on our TRATON R&D Team.

Position Details

We are looking for a dynamic and team-oriented candidate to be the Product Manager for the VCT - Integration & Test Planning. This VCT is responsible for complete vehicle test plans, test vehicle count optimization, test vehicle build coordination and test vehicle fleet management through close collaboration with the BID organizations. This role requires strong team building and management skills in order to meet the needs across all sites, Group VCTs (complete vehicle verification) and BIDs (complete vehicle validation).

As Section Manager for Suspension and Axles within Rolling Chassis, you will lead a cross-site team responsible for meeting legal and project requirements with optimized properties for TRATON's truck and bus chassis. You will drive the development and integration of new and existing technological solutions to meet customer requirements while collaborating closely with all TRATON brands.

  • Lead and develop a diverse team of engineers and specialists in suspension performance and axle requirements and integration across several sites
  • Responsibility for capacity and capability of the section to match the needs of ongoing and future development programs
  • Support the development process from concept through production and product follow up
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-brand collaboration
  • Close collaboration is required with stakeholders in all areas of chassis and cab to ensure a modular approach and alignment for vehicle integration
  • Actively contribute in the Domain management team
  • Represent the section in cross-functional and cross-brand forums, ensuring alignment with TRATON's strategic goals


Desired Skills
  • Proven leadership experience in a global, matrixed R&D environment, preferably within automotive or commercial vehicles.
  • Strong technical background in suspensions, ride handling, axles and vehicle integration.
  • Experience managing engineering teams and complex projects across multiple brands or locations
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate different cultural perspectives
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field, or equivalent experience
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus
  • Self-driven, structured, and result-oriented, with a collaborative and open-minded approach


What kind of position/job is this?
This is a full-time, permanent role within TRATON Group R&D.

Where is the job located?
This is a global role. The role is intended to be based in one our TRATON Group R&D's core hubs - Lisle, Illinois (USA), Munich/Nuremberg (Germany), São Paulo/Resende (Brazil) or Södertälje (Sweden).

Who will I be reporting to?

You will report functionally to Jernelle Buckley and legally to your local line manager depending on where you are based.

Recruiting Process

Recruiting process if selected: 30 min Teams Technical Screening with TRATON Hiring Manager or their team member, Cross Brand Interview, Candidate selection, Offer Phase

Cross-Brand Recruiting
By applying to this position, please be aware that we may share your application (e.g., CV) with relevant stakeholders across TRATON Group and its brands to enable a group-wide recruitment process.

Resume & Interview
Application and interview language is English. No cover letter needed.

Contacts


Lead Recruiter: Tess Cochrane: [email protected]

Application Period
Applications will be accepted until: September 30, 2026

Screening will take place on an ongoing basis during the application period.

Transportation.

We look forward to your application!

Responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 6 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 5 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • PhD in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 4 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience


Additional Requirements

  • Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)


Desired Skills

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