Development Test Engineer

Role Name: Development Test Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (Onsite)

Start date: Immediate availability.

Rate: DOE

Job Summary

Our client is looking for a Development Test Engineer to evaluate, compare, and improve gasoline engine aftertreatment systems to meet or exceed global regulatory standards, optimize efficiency, and support future propulsion development. In this role, you will develop and integrate system technologies—including engine hardware, exhaust sensors, control strategies, and calibration—for electrified and internal combustion applications to comply with upcoming emissions mandates such as TIER4, California LEV IV, EURO7, and China 7. Utilizing engine, powertrain, or chassis dynamometers alongside virtual simulation tools, you will drive physics-based decisions, prove functional objectives, and collaborate with globally integrated core engineering, controls, regulatory, and supplier teams.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Development Test Engineer directs and schedules day-to-day testing activities on engine, powertrain dynamometers, or vehicle chassis, collaborating closely with technicians and support engineers. Applying structured project management methodologies and tools like MS Project and Excel, the engineer plans, tracks, and reports deliverables while defining technology development initiatives both internally and with external suppliers. The engineer develops emissions solutions for high-efficiency powertrains, balancing complex trade-offs across cost, performance, and regulatory quality. Beyond core testing, the engineer optimizes engine and emissions calibrations for new hardware, investigates competitor vehicles through instrumentation and OBD analysis, and solves complex powertrain issues spanning performance, diagnostics, fuel economy, and NVH. Additionally, the engineer ensures seamless integration of advanced catalysts, particulate filters, and related components by communicating functional requirements across global propulsion engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

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

·         2+ years of accumulated experience and systems-level engineering skills in hardware, controls, or calibration development for port-fueled and direct-injection spark-ignition engines (ICE and hybrid applications), powertrain systems, OBD, emissions systems, and virtual analysis modeling/simulation (e.g., GT-Power, AVL Boost, Axi Suite, or similar tools)

·         Hands-on experience analyzing and running global emissions test cycles in various test cell environments

·         Demonstrated proficiency using common powertrain data acquisition systems such as INCA, CAS, AVL Concerto, TCKs, or INTECRIO

·         Working-level understanding of key combustion processes, engine hardware, thermal systems, transmission systems, OBD systems, and electrified propulsion systems

·         Sound knowledge of trade-offs between emissions, OBD, fuel economy, cost, drivability, and NVH

·         Proven ability to quickly identify root causes and refine calibrations to improve emissions system performance

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the capability to provide simple explanations for complex technical solutions

·         Strong leadership, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills

·         Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of operating effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications and expertise in post-processing, organizing, analyzing, and presenting technical findings to management.

Preferred Skills

·         Experience with advanced emissions technology development for electrified vehicle propulsion applications

·         Direct experience managing supplier technology projects and interacting with core engine, regulatory, and controls teams