Vehicle Development Engineer

Vehicle Development Engineer
Michigan

POSITION SUMMARY: 
Our client is a chassis supplier that designs and manufactures brake and suspension systems for the global transportation market. They are seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer to lead the development, tuning, and validation of passive and semi-active suspension systems, including MagneRide (MR) technology. This role will work with our application engineering and product development teams specializing in pneumatic and hydraulic vehicle lift and leveling systems. You will assist in closing the gap between advanced technical solutions and customer-specific vehicle applications, assist with the full lifecycle from initial concept to high-volume production release. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in vertical dynamics and leadership skills to mentor a high-performing multidisciplinary team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Vehicle Development & Tuning

  • Lead vehicle-level development of passive and MR (MagneRide) damper systems
  • Perform ride & handling tuning, subjective and objective evaluations
  • Support simulated / virtual tuning to model vehicle performance prior to physical hardware
  • Define and execute vehicle test plans (proving grounds, road tests, lab validation)
  • Analyze vehicle dynamics data and recommend calibration improvements
  • Author verification test reports
  • Support integration of MagneRide systems (dampers, sensors, ECU controls)
  • Collaborate with controls/software teams on damping algorithms and calibration
  • Troubleshoot system-level issues and support root cause analysis
  • Develop and validate conventional damper systems (valving, tuning, durability)
  • Support benchmarking and competitive analysis of suspension systems

Program & OEM Interface

  • Work directly with OEM customers on vehicle performance targets and feedback
  • Support design reviews, DV/PV testing, and launch activities
  • Ensure alignment with program timing, quality, and cost objectives
  • Frequency travel to test sites and customer locations as required

REQUIREMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
  • 3-10 years’ experience in the automotive industry, preferably in suspension controls or vehicle testing
  • Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics (ride, handling, NVH basics)
  • Understanding of modern controls techniques and theory
  • Knowledge of Mathworks Matlab, Simulink and Stateflow
  • Experience with vehicle testing, data acquisition, and analysis tools
  • Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts including embedded microcontroller software/controls
  • Ability to interpret test data and translate into engineering improvements
  • High performance driving experience
  • Ability to read and interpret Simulink models and compiled C-code
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and data collection / reduction
  • Experience with HIL testing or vehicle testing
  • FSAE or Baja SAE Experience