Powertrain Hardware Engineer || Columbus, Indiana (Onsite) || TCS

Title: Powertrain Hardware Engineer

Location: Columbus, Indiana (Onsite)

Experience: 8+ Years

Job Type: Long Term Contract

Job Description:

• Troubleshoot failed ECM units and identify root causes at both system and component levels
• Develop and execute diagnostic test plans for validation and failure analysis
• Support production, validation, and field-return investigations
• Recreate failures in laboratory environments and design appropriate test setups
• Perform structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as 5-Why and Fishbone analysis
• Capture, analyze, and interpret electrical waveforms under dynamic conditions
• Diagnose component-level failures including FETs, drivers, passive components, and ICs
• Identify and resolve intermittent electrical, thermal, and noise-related issues
• Document findings and provide recommendations for corrective and preventive actions
• Collaborate with design engineering teams to address failure mechanisms and implement fixes
• Interface with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in automotive electronics troubleshooting and/or validation
• Strong understanding of Engine Control Modules (ECMs) and associated subsystems
• Proficiency in interpreting:
  • Electrical schematics
  • Wiring diagrams
  • PCB layouts

Technical Skills & Expertise

Core Technical Knowledge

• Analog and digital circuit operation
• Power electronics fundamentals (DC-DC converters, gate drivers, protection circuits)
• Automotive communication protocols: CAN, CAN FD, LIN
• Automotive standards and compliance:
  • ISO 26262 (functional safety awareness)
  • AEC-Q100 (component qualification)
  • CISPR 12/25

Tools & Technologies

• Electrical simulation tools
• Schematic and PCB design tools (preferably Zuken)
• Worst Case Analysis tools (e.g., Mathcad)
• Diagnostic and calibration tools:
  • Vector CANoe / CANalyzer
  • ETAS INCA
  • CAN analyzers and OEM diagnostic tools

Lab & Debugging Experience

• Oscilloscopes (multi-channel, differential probing preferred)
• Digital multimeters
• Power supplies and electronic loads
• Embedded systems debugging with basic firmware understanding
• Log analysis and correlation of software behavior with hardware issues

Failure Analysis Expertise

• Experience with failure modes such as:
  • ESD / EOS damage
  • Load dump events
  • Ground offset and noise issues
  • Connector fretting and intermittent faults

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience in high-volume production environments or warranty return analysis
• Knowledge of thermal management and heat dissipation in power electronics
• Familiarity with automated test systems
• Experience with:
  • Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
  • Automotive injector circuitry
  • Complex microcontrollers (e.g., TC3xx series)
  • Automotive power systems (12V / 48V architectures)
• Prior experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.