How to Apply to BorgWarner

8 min read Last updated March 7, 2026 17 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • BorgWarner is actively transitioning toward electrification — tailor your application to reflect awareness of and alignment with their 'Charging Forward' strategy for the strongest impact.
  • With only around 16 active job postings for a 41,000-employee company, openings are selective — invest significant time in customizing each application rather than applying broadly.
  • Workday is BorgWarner's ATS, so use a clean, single-column resume format, mirror job description keywords, and thoroughly review all parsed fields after submission.
  • Automotive industry experience (OEM or Tier 1/2 supplier) is highly valued, but candidates from adjacent industries can succeed by clearly drawing parallels to automotive manufacturing and engineering.
  • Behavioral interview preparation is essential — practice articulating examples that demonstrate integrity, collaboration, excellence, and responsibility in alignment with BorgWarner's core values.
  • Global experience and multilingual abilities are meaningful differentiators given BorgWarner's operations across 22 countries.
  • Quantify your achievements with manufacturing and engineering metrics (OEE, scrap reduction, cost savings, launch success) to demonstrate measurable impact.

About BorgWarner

BorgWarner Inc. is a global leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company operates approximately 96 manufacturing and technical facilities across 22 countries, employing around 41,000 people worldwide. BorgWarner has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of the automotive industry's electrification transition through its 'Charging Forward' strategy, which aims to generate roughly 45% of revenue from electric vehicle components by 2030. The company designs and manufactures critical powertrain components including turbochargers, eDrive systems, battery packs, thermal management solutions, and transmission components for major OEMs globally. BorgWarner's culture is commonly described as innovation-driven, safety-focused, and sustainability-oriented, with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence. The company has a long history dating back over 100 years, built through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, and is recognized as a Fortune 500 company within the Motor Vehicles and Parts sector. For job seekers, BorgWarner represents an opportunity to work at the intersection of traditional automotive engineering and cutting-edge electrification technology.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Explore Open Positions on BorgWarner's Workday Careers Portal

    Begin by visiting BorgWarner's official careers page at borgwarner.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/BorgWarner_Careers. With approximately 16 active job postings at any given time, the openings can be competitive and may change frequently. Use the search filters to narrow results by location, job category (engineering, finance, manufacturing, supply chain, etc.), and employment type (full-time, internship, contract). Pay close attention to the job descriptions, as BorgWarner roles often span multiple global locations and may include designations like (M/F/D) indicating inclusive hiring practices in European markets. Save roles that interest you and carefully note the required qualifications versus preferred qualifications before proceeding.

  2. 2
    Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile

    BorgWarner uses Workday as its applicant tracking system, so you will need to create a Workday candidate account if you don't already have one. During registration, you'll provide your contact information, work history, education, and upload your resume. Workday typically parses your uploaded resume to auto-populate fields, but you should carefully review every auto-filled section for accuracy, as parsing errors are common with complex formatting. Consider also linking your LinkedIn profile, as Workday often supports LinkedIn integration for faster profile completion. Your Workday profile may be reused across multiple BorgWarner applications, so ensure it is comprehensive and up to date.

  3. 3
    Tailor Your Resume and Complete the Application

    Before submitting, customize your resume to align with the specific role's requirements. BorgWarner positions commonly require specialized technical skills (e.g., knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, lean manufacturing, or specific EV technologies), so mirror the language used in the job description. Complete all required application fields thoroughly — Workday applications often include supplemental questions about visa status, willingness to relocate, years of experience in specific domains, and salary expectations. Incomplete applications may be automatically filtered out. If the role requests a cover letter, use it to demonstrate your understanding of BorgWarner's electrification strategy and how your experience aligns with their mission.

  4. 4
    Initial Screening and Recruiter Contact

    After submission, your application typically undergoes an initial screening by BorgWarner's talent acquisition team, often aided by Workday's built-in filtering and ranking capabilities. Many applicants report receiving an acknowledgment email shortly after applying. If your profile matches the role's requirements, a recruiter or HR representative commonly reaches out within one to three weeks for an initial phone or video screening. This conversation typically covers your background, motivation for applying, salary expectations, availability, and basic technical or functional competencies. Be prepared to articulate why BorgWarner specifically interests you and demonstrate awareness of their product portfolio and strategic direction.

  5. 5
    Technical and Hiring Manager Interviews

    Candidates who pass the initial screening are typically invited to one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially cross-functional team members. For engineering and technical roles, expect in-depth discussions about your domain expertise — whether that's powertrain systems, electronics, manufacturing processes, or supply chain management. BorgWarner interviews commonly include scenario-based and behavioral questions aligned with their core values of integrity, excellence, responsibility, and collaboration. Some roles may include technical assessments, case studies, or presentations. For global positions, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing platforms across multiple time zones.

  6. 6
    Final Evaluation, Offer, and Onboarding

    Following successful interviews, BorgWarner's hiring team typically conducts reference checks and may require background verification. The offer stage commonly includes details about competitive compensation, benefits (which many employees report as comprehensive, including health coverage, retirement plans, and tuition assistance), and relocation support for applicable roles. Once you accept, the onboarding process is typically managed through Workday's onboarding module, where you'll complete paperwork, compliance training, and orientation scheduling. BorgWarner is known for structured onboarding programs, particularly at their manufacturing and engineering facilities, to ensure new hires integrate smoothly into their teams and understand safety protocols.

Resume Tips for BorgWarner

critical

Highlight Automotive and Powertrain Industry Experience

BorgWarner is deeply embedded in the automotive powertrain and electrification space. Prominently feature any experience with OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, or automotive component manufacturing. Mention specific systems you've worked on — turbochargers, transmission components, eDrive systems, battery management, thermal management, or power electronics. Even if your experience is adjacent (e.g., aerospace or industrial manufacturing), draw clear parallels to automotive applications. Use industry-standard terminology that BorgWarner recruiters and Workday's keyword filters will recognize.

critical

Emphasize Electrification and EV-Related Skills

Given BorgWarner's aggressive push into electric vehicle technology through their 'Charging Forward' strategy, candidates with EV-related experience have a distinct advantage. Highlight skills in areas such as high-voltage systems, battery pack design, electric motor development, power electronics, embedded software for EV controls, or thermal management for electrified powertrains. Even foundational knowledge — such as coursework, certifications, or project work in electrification — can set your resume apart. This signals alignment with the company's long-term strategic direction.

critical

Use a Clean, ATS-Compatible Resume Format

Since BorgWarner uses Workday, your resume will be parsed by the system's built-in document reader. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers with critical information, multi-column layouts, and graphics that Workday may not parse correctly. Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills,' and 'Certifications.' Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and submit in PDF or DOCX format as specified. Ensure your name, contact information, and job titles are clearly readable in a single-column layout to maximize parsing accuracy.

critical

Quantify Achievements with Manufacturing and Engineering Metrics

BorgWarner values measurable impact. Instead of listing responsibilities, quantify your accomplishments using metrics relevant to their operations. Examples include: 'Reduced scrap rate by 18% through implementation of SPC controls,' 'Managed $4.2M annual purchasing budget across 35 suppliers,' 'Led APQP process for 3 new product launches achieving zero-defect launch targets,' or 'Improved production line OEE from 72% to 89% within 6 months.' These concrete figures demonstrate your ability to deliver results in a manufacturing and engineering environment and help your resume stand out during both automated and human review.

recommended

Include Relevant Certifications and Technical Proficiencies

List certifications and technical skills that are commonly valued in the automotive parts industry. These may include Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt), PMP, IATF 16949 auditor certification, APQP/PPAP expertise, lean manufacturing, and proficiency in tools like SAP, CATIA, NX, MATLAB/Simulink, AutoCAD, Minitab, or specific PLM systems. For finance and planning roles, highlight ERP system experience (especially SAP), advanced Excel skills, and familiarity with MRP/MPS processes. Place these in a dedicated 'Skills' or 'Certifications' section for easy scanning by both Workday's parser and human reviewers.

recommended

Demonstrate Global and Cross-Functional Collaboration

BorgWarner operates in 22 countries with a highly matrixed organizational structure. Highlight any experience working across international teams, managing global supply chains, or collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders (engineering, quality, purchasing, production). Mention language skills beyond English if applicable — German, Mandarin, Hungarian, Korean, and Portuguese are particularly relevant given BorgWarner's major facility locations. This demonstrates your readiness to thrive in their global operating environment.

recommended

Tailor Your Resume Summary to BorgWarner's Mission

Open your resume with a 3-4 sentence professional summary that directly connects your experience to BorgWarner's mission of delivering clean, efficient mobility solutions. For example: 'Mechanical engineer with 8 years of experience in automotive powertrain development, specializing in thermal management systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams through APQP milestones and achieving zero-defect product launches at Tier 1 suppliers.' This immediately signals relevance and intentionality to both the ATS and the hiring team.

ATS System: Workday

BorgWarner uses Workday Recruiting as its applicant tracking system, hosted at borgwarner.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com. Workday is one of the most widely used enterprise ATS platforms globally, known for its integrated approach to human capital management. When you apply, Workday parses your uploaded resume to extract key information such as job titles, employers, dates, education, and skills. This parsed data populates your candidate profile, which recruiters then search and filter based on role requirements. Workday also supports keyword matching, candidate ranking, and workflow automation, meaning your application may be scored or categorized before a human reviewer sees it. Understanding how Workday processes applications is essential for optimizing your submission.

  • Use a single-column, cleanly formatted resume without tables, text boxes, or graphics — Workday's parser handles simple layouts most reliably and may misread or skip content in complex formats.
  • Mirror keywords and phrases directly from the job description in your resume, particularly for technical skills, certifications, and job-specific terminology. Workday recruiters commonly use keyword searches to filter candidate pools.
  • Complete every field in the Workday application form, even if it seems redundant with your uploaded resume. Incomplete profiles may be deprioritized or filtered out during initial screening stages.
  • After your resume is parsed, carefully review and correct all auto-populated fields in your Workday profile. Parsing errors — such as incorrect dates, merged job titles, or misattributed skills — are common and can negatively impact how your profile appears to recruiters.
  • Save your Workday login credentials, as you can use the same account to apply to multiple BorgWarner positions and track your application status through the candidate portal.
  • Upload your resume in either PDF or DOCX format. While both are typically supported, DOCX files sometimes parse more reliably in Workday. Test by reviewing the parsed output after submission.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

BorgWarner's interview process typically reflects the company's engineering-driven, safety-conscious, and globally collaborative culture.

Many candidates report a structured, multi-stage process that begins with a recruiter phone screen focused on background verification, role fit, and logistical considerations such as location preferences and availability. This is commonly followed by one or two rounds of interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members, which may be conducted in person at a BorgWarner facility or via video conferencing for global roles. For engineering and technical positions, interviews often include deep dives into domain expertise — expect questions about specific technologies, problem-solving approaches, and past project experiences. Candidates for manufacturing roles (such as Production Planner, Process Technician, or Maintenance Team Leader) may be asked about lean manufacturing principles, safety protocols, root cause analysis methodologies, and experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Finance and supply chain candidates commonly face scenario-based questions related to cost analysis, ERP systems, and cross-functional collaboration. Behavioral questions are a consistent element across roles, typically aligned with BorgWarner's stated values of integrity, excellence, responsibility, and collaboration. Candidates frequently report being asked about situations involving teamwork under pressure, managing conflicting priorities, driving innovation, and adapting to change — all relevant to BorgWarner's dynamic position in the evolving automotive landscape. The overall interview atmosphere is commonly described as professional yet approachable, with interviewers genuinely interested in understanding candidates' technical depth and cultural fit. Panel interviews with cross-functional stakeholders are not uncommon, particularly for senior or leadership roles. Candidates are typically encouraged to ask questions about BorgWarner's electrification strategy, team dynamics, and growth opportunities, which signals genuine interest and engagement.

What BorgWarner Looks For

  • Strong technical expertise relevant to automotive powertrain, electrification, or manufacturing processes
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement (lean, Six Sigma, kaizen)
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional, and matrixed teams
  • Alignment with BorgWarner's electrification vision and passion for clean mobility solutions
  • Problem-solving mindset with experience in root cause analysis and data-driven decision making
  • Adaptability and resilience in a rapidly evolving automotive industry undergoing electrification transformation
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Relevant educational background (engineering, business, supply chain) complemented by industry certifications
  • Experience with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, and FMEA
  • Leadership potential and initiative, even in individual contributor roles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job at BorgWarner?
Visit BorgWarner's official careers portal at borgwarner.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/BorgWarner_Careers, create a Workday candidate account, search for open positions using filters, and submit your application with a tailored resume. You'll need to complete all required fields in the Workday application form and may be asked supplemental screening questions specific to the role.
What ATS does BorgWarner use, and how should I optimize my resume for it?
BorgWarner uses Workday as its applicant tracking system. To optimize your resume, use a clean single-column format without tables or graphics, incorporate keywords from the job description, submit in PDF or DOCX format, and carefully review all auto-populated fields after your resume is parsed. Completing every application field thoroughly is also important, as incomplete profiles may be filtered out.
What types of roles does BorgWarner typically hire for?
BorgWarner hires across a wide range of functions including engineering (design, systems, process), manufacturing (production planning, maintenance, process technicians), supply chain (purchasing, vendor planning, MRP controllers), finance (analysts, controllers), and leadership roles. They also offer internship programs, such as their GSM Intern positions. Roles span global locations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
How long does BorgWarner's hiring process typically take?
Based on common patterns reported by applicants, the process from application to offer typically takes 3 to 8 weeks, though this can vary significantly depending on the role, location, and hiring urgency. Initial recruiter contact commonly occurs within 1-3 weeks of application, followed by one or more interview rounds. Senior or specialized roles may involve additional evaluation stages.
Does BorgWarner offer internship or early career opportunities?
Yes, BorgWarner commonly offers internship and co-op programs, particularly in engineering, supply chain, and business functions. Sample postings include GSM Intern (Summer) positions. These programs typically target university students and recent graduates and can serve as a pipeline to full-time employment. Check the careers portal regularly, as internship postings are often seasonal.
What is BorgWarner's company culture like?
BorgWarner's culture is commonly described as engineering-focused, safety-conscious, and innovation-driven. The company emphasizes its core values of integrity, excellence, responsibility, and collaboration. With its strong push toward electrification, there is a forward-looking, transformation-oriented mindset. Many employees report a collaborative global work environment with opportunities for cross-functional and international exposure.
Do I need automotive industry experience to get hired at BorgWarner?
While automotive industry experience is highly valued and commonly preferred for many roles, it is not always a strict requirement. Candidates from adjacent industries such as aerospace, industrial manufacturing, or heavy equipment can be competitive if they clearly demonstrate transferable skills and draw parallels to automotive applications. Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, APQP) and manufacturing processes is a significant advantage.
Can I apply to multiple positions at BorgWarner simultaneously?
Yes, Workday allows you to apply to multiple positions using the same candidate profile. However, it's advisable to tailor your resume and application responses for each specific role rather than submitting identical applications. Applying to too many unrelated positions may signal a lack of focus to recruiters. Prioritize roles that closely match your skills and experience.
Does BorgWarner offer remote or hybrid work options?
Work arrangements at BorgWarner vary by role and location. Many manufacturing, engineering, and plant-based positions typically require on-site presence. Corporate, finance, and some project management roles may offer hybrid or flexible arrangements depending on the specific team and location. Check individual job postings for details on work location requirements, and discuss flexibility during the interview process.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 17 open positions at BorgWarner

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Sources

  1. BorgWarner Careers Portal — BorgWarner Inc.
  2. BorgWarner Official Website — About Us — BorgWarner Inc.
  3. BorgWarner Charging Forward Strategy — BorgWarner Inc.
  4. Workday Recruiting — How It Works — Workday Inc.
  5. BorgWarner 2023 Annual Report — BorgWarner Inc.