Jillian Steffek

Director of Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage
Oshkosh Corporation - Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA)

Jillian Steffek is the Director of Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage at Oshkosh Corporation in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA). In this role, she leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and program managers focused on advanced battery technologies, including cell chemistry selection, battery sizing and range analysis, full validation testing, and seamless integration of energy storage systems into vehicles.

Previously, Jillian served as Director of Engineering for Modeling and Simulation, where she oversaw Oshkosh’s corporate core technology team—spanning finite element analysis, multi-body dynamics, CFD, and dynamic system modeling. In this capacity, she drove organisational strategy, budgeting, tool evaluation, and process development, while also managing the company’s STEM and talent pipeline initiatives from K-12 outreach to university partnerships and rotational programmes.

Jillian’s earlier career includes nearly a decade as Chief Engineer for Modeling and Simulation (FEA), where she modernised departmental processes, implemented peer review systems to elevate quality and efficiency, and led comprehensive engagement studies that informed long-term improvements in culture, communication, and technical excellence. Her technical foundation also includes extensive experience in materials and process engineering, specialising in failure analysis, new material development, and quality control in the heavy equipment industry.

She is also an active advocate for women in engineering. She served as Chair of the Oshkosh Corporation Women’s Network, co-founded the Women in Product Development group, and has organised multi-day professional programmes in support of women in technical fields. She is a frequent presenter, keynote speaker, and panel participant at professional conferences, recognised for her clarity in communication and her ability to translate complex technical concepts for executive audiences.

Jillian holds an M.S. in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, as well as an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Polymer Science & Engineering) and a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.