Full-Time

Design Engineer 3

Denso

Denso

10,001+ employees

Automotive HVAC systems and components supplier

Compensation Overview

$96k - $120k/yr

+ Bonus Program + Relocation Assistance

Maryville, TN, USA

In Person

Relocation assistance available to candidates located 50+ miles from Maryville, TN.

Category
Process Engineering
Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical/engineering field.
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years in automation, manufacturing or logistics engineering, with exposure to automation projects and/or process engineering.
  • Technical & Leadership Skills: Strong understanding of automation technologies (e.g., Industrial machinery, robotics, machine vision systems, sensing, conveyors, AGVs/AMRs, PLC & other control systems).
  • Proven ability to lead projects involving cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders.
  • Exceptional project management skills, including timeline, budget, and external vendor coordination.
Responsibilities
  • Support the selection, proposal, and deployment of proven and emerging automation technologies to improve DENSO NA’s KPIs and operational performance.
  • Assess technology readiness and develop implementation plans that address safety, quality, cost, and delivery risks.
  • Ensure solutions are scalable and support standardization across plants and affiliates through cross-functional collaboration.
  • Lead projects from concept, budgetary and feasibility studies, into PoC and pilot deployments within manufacturing operations.
  • Develop project and test plans, ensuring clear communication and executive alignment at key milestones.
  • Define acceptance criteria and KPIs with stakeholders.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and cross-site coordination.
  • Collaborate with various teams to evaluate automation solutions against operational goals.
  • Prepare test reports and milestone presentations that summarize findings and recommendations.
  • Coordinate and/or perform PoC testing and champion the technology into pilot launches with stakeholder support.
  • Evaluate automation potential & performance by work analysis in collaboration with other departments and utilize simulation-based efficiency benchmarking where appropriate.
  • Monitor post-implementation performance to ensure ROI and productivity targets are met.
  • Promote reuse and standardization of systems across affiliate sites through collaboration with automation & improvement teams.
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, vendor capabilities, and industry trends.
  • Periodic participation in key US trade shows, benchmarking activities, outreach activities, and innovation workshops with private, academic, or government partners.
Desired Qualifications
  • Familiarity with industrial control systems, digital transformation initiatives, Industrial Internet of Things concepts, and SCADA/middleware integration with automation.
  • Experience with new line system planning or new product launches, autonomous mobile robots, AI-based technologies, and 2D/3D vision systems for robotic guidance.
  • Working knowledge of industrial safety standards and risk assessment process.
  • Passion for emerging technologies and innovation in manufacturing environments.
  • Experience collaborating with national labs, academic institutions, or external R&D partners, and start-ups.
  • Certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing are a plus.
  • Ability to plan system layouts and concept designs using 2D/3D CAD software tools.
  • Proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.

Denso Thermal Systems S.p.A. designs, develops, manufactures and sells automotive thermal components and integrated cockpit modules, including air-conditioning systems, engine cooling parts, heat exchangers, radiators and compressors for cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and buses. Its products cool engines, regulate cabin temperature and provide compact, integrated cockpit and front-end assemblies for vehicles. As part of the DENSO Group, it benefits from a global footprint, multiple product lines, and aftermarket support that span different vehicle types. Its goal is to deliver reliable, efficient thermal solutions and integrated modules to OEMs and aftermarket customers, helping vehicles run safely and comfortably across a wide range of mobility sectors.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Kariya, Japan

Founded

1947

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Europe operating profit surged 221.3% in FY2026 from thermal product demand.
  • Next Core Technologies investment develops 40% more efficient motor cores for EVs.
  • $69M Tennessee logistics center retains 100 jobs, starts Spring 2027.

What critics are saying

  • Rohm rejects Denso bid; Toshiba-Mitsubishi alliance controls 11% power semiconductor market.
  • FY2027 operating profit drops 9.5% to ¥500B from tariffs and material costs.
  • Failed $8B Rohm acquisition weakens Denso's chip supply negotiations with competitors.

What makes Denso unique

  • DENSO Thermal Systems S.p.A. manufactures air-conditioning and engine cooling systems in Poirino, Italy.
  • DENSO integrates automotive sensing into FoodVentures' greenhouse solutions for climate-controlled agriculture.
  • DENSO earned first Japan EcoPass Certification from Catena-X on April 2, 2025, for supply chain transparency.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Your Connections

People at Denso who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) Company Match

Bonus Program

Wellness Program

Onsite Fitness Center

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development and Ongoing Training

Paid holidays and vacation

Cafeteria and food markets

Volunteer opportunities

Employee recognition

Company News

PR Newswire
Apr 8th, 2026
DENSO to showcase keyless access solutions for fleet operators at NAFA 2026

DENSO will exhibit its keyless access solutions at the NAFA 2026 Institute & Expo from 13-15 April at Cleveland's Huntington Convention Center. The mobility supplier will demonstrate its MobiQ smart mobility brand technology in booth #271. The keyless access system is designed for government and large enterprise fleet operators seeking to improve asset utilisation and operational efficiency. The solution is compatible with BLE, NFC and RFID-badge operating systems and integrates into connected mobility platforms to provide enhanced telematics data. DENSO says the technology addresses common fleet challenges including lost keys, vehicle assignment, compliance and scheduling. The company, which employs over 23,000 people across North America, generated $12.5 billion in consolidated regional sales in the fiscal year ending March 2025.

FinanzNachrichten.de
Apr 2nd, 2026
Denso acquires FoodVentures to expand global agricultural one-stop solution

DENSO Corporation has acquired a partial equity stake in FoodVentures, making the Dutch company a consolidated subsidiary. The partnership aims to globally deploy an integrated agricultural production solution for greenhouse horticulture. FoodVentures brings over 10 years of expertise providing end-to-end support for greenhouse operations, from business planning to cultivation and sales. The company has supported operators across multiple countries and climates. DENSO, which incorporated agriculture into its articles of incorporation in 2022, has been building agricultural capabilities through strategic partnerships. The company previously acquired greenhouse provider Certhon in 2023 and tomato seed developer Axia in 2025. The combined offering will leverage DENSO's automotive-derived technologies in production design, sensing and image processing alongside FoodVentures' operational expertise to support new agricultural entrants globally.

Japan Industry News
Mar 19th, 2026
DENSO Invests in Next Core Technologies for Motor Core Development - Japan Industry News

DENSO Corporation has announced an investment in Next Core Technologies, Inc. to jointly develop motor cores utilizing iron-based amorphous alloys. This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of next-generation motor generators, crucial for electric vehicles. The automotive industry is witnessing a growing demand for electric vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. As the […]

株式会社PR TIMES
Mar 19th, 2026
ネクストコアテクノロジーズ raises $14M Series A to build next-gen motor factory in Imari

Nextcore Technologies, a Kyoto-based startup developing high-efficiency motors for decarbonisation, has raised JPY 2.073 billion (approximately $13.8 million) in Series A funding and debt financing. Denso led the equity round, with debt financing provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Founded in 2022, Nextcore manufactures iron-based amorphous alloy motor cores that reduce power consumption by up to 40% compared with conventional motors. The technology is used in air conditioners, electric vehicles and industrial equipment. The funding will establish a new manufacturing facility in Imari, Saga Prefecture, scheduled to begin operations in October 2026. The company will also strengthen its partnership with Denso to jointly develop next-generation motor cores and expand recruitment for global operations.

Jiemian News
Mar 19th, 2026
Denso invests in Next Core Technologies to develop advanced motor cores for EVs

Japanese automotive supplier Denso has announced an investment in Next Core Technologies (NCT) to jointly develop motor core products. The partnership will combine NCT's expertise in amorphous alloy motor cores with Denso's knowledge in motor and generator product development. The collaboration aims to accelerate development and mass production of high-efficiency motor cores for next-generation motors and generators. This initiative is expected to enhance performance of electric vehicles by extending driving range and improving overall driving capabilities. The investment announcement was made on 19 March, though financial details were not disclosed.