Development Test Engineer

Development Test Engineer – Onsite Position

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Duration:12+ months

Rate: DOE

Roles and Responsibilities

The Development Test Engineer directs and schedules the day-to-day activities of engine/powertrain dynamometer and vehicle-based testing, collaborating closely with technicians and support engineers. Using project management methodologies and tools like MS Project and Excel, the engineer develops emissions system solutions for high-efficiency powertrains, balancing trade-offs between cost, performance, and complexity while ensuring regulatory compliance. The engineer optimizes engine and emissions calibration for new hardware, analyzes competitor vehicles via instrumentation and OBD diagnostics, and leads internal and supplier technology development projects to address critical emissions needs. Additionally, this role plans, tests, and solves complex powertrain system challenges—covering performance, emissions, diagnostics, NVH, quality, and fuel economy—and communicates functional requirements across engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of advanced catalysts, gasoline particulate filters, and other enablers.

Technical Requirements:

·         Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical/Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.

·         2+ years of experience in hardware, controls, or calibration development for port-fueled and direct injection spark ignition engines (ICE and hybrid applications), powertrain systems, OBD, and emissions systems.

·         Virtual analysis experience using modeling/simulation tools such as GT-Power, AVL Boost, AxiSuite, or similar platforms.

·         Hands-on experience analyzing and executing global emissions test cycles in test cell environments using data acquisition systems such as INCA, CAS, AVL Concerto, TCKs, or INTECRIO.

·         Working knowledge of key combustion processes, engine hardware, thermal systems, transmission systems, OBD systems, and electrified propulsion systems.

·         Understanding of system trade-offs between emissions, OBD, fuel economy, cost, drivability, and NVH.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (including MS Project and Excel) for project planning, scheduling, and reporting.

Non-Technical Requirements:

·         Ability to identify, root-cause, and refine calibrations to resolve complex powertrain system issues.

·         Capability to provide simple, clear explanations of complex systems and solutions.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Strong leadership, interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.

·         Self-motivated and proactive mindset with the ability to operate independently or within cross-functional teams.

·         Demonstrated skill in post-processing, organizing, analyzing, and presenting technical findings to management.