Powertrain Controls Engineer

Job Title: Powertrain Controls Engineer

Location: Columbus, Indiana, 47201 (100% On-site)
Duration: 12+ Months

Hiring Note: CRITICAL need 8 positions open. Resume bucket qty: 8.

Role Summary

The Powertrain Controls Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, modeling, and validating control systems for vehicle powertrain components such as engines and transmissions. The role requires strong expertise in MATLAB/Simulink, control algorithm development, code generation using TargetLink, MIL/SIL testing, and system integration with CAN and diagnostic protocols. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams while adhering to ASPICE and configuration management standards.

Pre-Screening (Mandatory)

Candidates must have:

• Experience in designing, developing, and validating control systems for vehicle powertrain components (engines/transmissions).

• Hands-on experience with OEM calibration tools.

Key Responsibilities

1) Model-Based Design & Development

• Design, model, and test software components for automotive embedded products such as:

  • Engine Control Module (ECM)

  • Traction Control Systems

• Develop control models using MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow.

• Perform code generation using TargetLink for production software.

2) Validation & Testing

• Validate control models using:

  • Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) testing

  • Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing

  • Back-to-back testing methodologies

• Support defect analysis, debugging, and issue resolution.

• Adhere to ASPICE standards and defined Change Request & Configuration Management processes.

3) System Integration & Diagnostics

• Perform system integration including:

  • CAN communication

  • Subsystem diagnostic communication

• Work with at least one of the following (minimum required):

  • CAN

  • J1939

  • OBD

  • UDS

• Support integration with other vehicle subsystems and control modules.

4) Calibration & Controls Engineering

• Develop and calibrate engine control parameters and algorithms.

• Use OEM calibration tools for tuning, validation, and optimization.

• Analyze system behavior and refine control strategies accordingly.

5) Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with:

  • System integration teams

  • Embedded software teams

  • Testing & validation teams

• Support root cause analysis for field or testing issues.

6) Program & Change Management

• Manage program changes and technical documentation.

• Support configuration management and release processes.

Must-Have Technical Skills

• Strong experience in MATLAB / Simulink / Stateflow

• Expertise in Model-Based Design for control applications

• Hands-on experience with TargetLink code generation

• Experience in MIL/SIL testing

• Strong understanding of control algorithms and engine calibration

• Experience with CAN communication and diagnostics

• Experience with at least one:

  • CAN, J1939, OBD, or UDS

• Hands-on experience with OEM calibration tools

Good-to-Have (Preferred)

• Experience in AUTOSAR application development

• Experience with ECM/Powertrain control development in OEM/Tier-1 environments

• Knowledge of ASPICE & functional safety processes (ISO 26262 exposure is a plus)

Education & Experience

• BE in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)

• 8+ years of relevant experience in Powertrain Controls / Embedded Automotive Systems