Nexteer Hiring 100 Engineers by Year End

SAGINAW, Mich., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexteer Automotive, the only tier one automotive supplier committed exclusively to wheel-to-wheel advanced steering and driveline systems, is hiring both new and seasoned professionals skilled in software engineering and mechatronics, a field that combines mechanical and electrical engineering. Nexteer's development of electric power steering, a significant growth area for the company, requires talent that understands the role of electronic code in automotive systems.

"We plan to add up to 100 new engineers at our Saginaw, Mich., headquarters by the end of 2010," said Mike Richardson, vice president of engineering and global steering business line for Nexteer. "Our advanced electric power steering systems feature sophisticated electronic software and sensors, so we're looking for innovative, analytical problem-solvers who are passionate about programming and coding the next generation of steering technology."

Advancement through mechatronics will pave the way for 90 percent of tomorrow's vehicle innovation, according to International Data Group of Framingham, Mass.  Embedded electronics in cars continues to grow at double-digit rates, driving the need for skilled talent. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts an average growth rate of about 8 percent through 2016 for electro-mechanical, mechanical and electrical technicians.

"It's a great time to be involved in the automotive industry given the advanced technology opportunities and possibilities," added Richardson. "Our engineers personalize each EPS system for automakers, creating a specific steering 'DNA' for each brand."

Nexteer is well positioned for growth in the EPS market. The company has grown from two EPS customers in 2006 to an anticipated 12 by 2012, and its systems are available on all vehicle segments.  Automakers are making the conversion from hydraulic systems to electric to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. Additional EPS benefits include recyclability, personalization and additional feature integration like park-assist and lane-keeping.

"Our technology success is attributed to our talented engineers who complete design to validation all under one roof," said Robert Remenar, president of Nexteer. "Nexteer the only supplier as far as we know that programs their own software. This allows us to quickly respond to trends and easily integrate improved features and benefits for drivers."

Nexteer's design, electrical systems, software, electronics and testing are completed onsite at its headquarters in Saginaw, Mich.  Interested candidates can view career opportunities at http://nexteer.com/careers.html.

About Nexteer Automotive

Nexteer Automotive is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business solely dedicated to electric and hydraulic steering systems, steering columns and driveline products for original equipment manufacturers. Its 8,300 workforce serve more than 60 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 22 manufacturing plants, six engineering centers and 14 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Nexteer Automotive's customers include GM, Fiat, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and PSA Peugeot Citroen, as well as automakers in India, China and South America. www.nexteer.com

SOURCE Nexteer Automotive