Senior Drive Day Engineer

Job Summary:

Our client in Auburn Hills, MI is looking for a Validation Engineer. This is a contract position.

What You Will Do:

The Drive Day Engineering Group is responsible for the organization and execution of executive drives and/or vehicle evaluation events for numerous organizations. Many events are organized for key Stellantis executives and CEOs, which provides the team with exposure to many management levels, as well as great exposure to current and future Stellantis vehicles and/or competitive vehicle sets. Drive Day Engineering is also responsible for providing several corporate driver training classes and certifications.

The Drive Day Engineer’s responsibilities include leading and managing the technical preparation of the corporate synthesis fleet vehicles and/or competitive vehicles used during hosted events to assure the most representative vehicles are being evaluated by management. Often, the Drive Day Engineer will be assigned as the event lead. Responsibilities include collecting and organizing inputs for the event from the requesting organization. The scope and focus of the requested event will determine the vehicles involved in the evaluation, the participants, the facilities required, as well as the driving routes, the proposed dates and time. Many events are held on local highways, but also held at CPG, the corporate proving grounds. Alignment of synthesis vehicles can be the most challenging aspect, as many of these vehicles are also involved in day-to-day testing and engineering tasks.

The Drive Day Engineer needs to be very organized, and detail oriented to execute a flawless event. There is a high focus on the coordination of vehicles requested for an event, from reserving its usage with the custodian to overseeing the detailed cleaning and preparation of those vehicles prior to the event. Vehicle preparation may also require driving and/or shipping a vehicle to a location, and its return to the vehicle custodian. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, as many events are hosted for upper management and CEOs of the company. Keys to hosting successful events require skills in time management to provide guidance/alignment to the overall event’s goals, reporting the status of activities to the event’s requestor, and escalating issues or concerns that might affect the execution of the event.

Driver training responsibilities of the group will require the Drive Day Engineer to assist in scheduling and organizing participants for ADAS driving certifications, as well as possible assistance in managing/organizing future corporate driver training programs. Becoming a trained instructor for these classes is highly probable. Computer skills are required for the assistance with event documentation and the presentations required for each event. A hands-on person with the love of automobiles and their possibility of driving great cars would be a great fit.

Basics:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Automotive / Electrical Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited university. Could also possess a Bachelor of Science in Automotive or Engineering Technology.
• 5+ years experience in automotive engineering with demonstrated design and/or validation & testing experience.
• Knowledge, or willing to learn all vehicle systems and their integration.
• Must have passion and interest for cars and the automotive industry in general.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be able and willing to drive and test development vehicles and company cars (M-Plated).
• Strong project management and coordination skills, time management, planning and follow-up.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Highly motivated and self-starter with strong leadership skills.
• Detailed oriented personality.
• Must be able to lead, coordinate projects, and resolve technical issues.
• Good analytical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience working with testing facilities, laboratories, and shops, and coordinating work orders.
• Desire to work on vehicles and in a test environment (hands-on).
• Ability to work with cross functional teams and in a global environment.
• Able to evaluate and provide feedback regarding vehicle performances, features and functionalities.

Preferred: 

• Master of Science in Mechanical or Automotive / Electrical Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited university.
• Experience with CAN diagnostic tools and other diagnostic equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the entire PDP (Product Development Process).
• Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of project development from vision and scope through all phases of design, development, implementation, deployment, and project exit.
• Previous experience working in a global / international environment with foreign groups.
• Experience working with and directing bargaining unit mechanics.

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business “First”
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts
• Free training on all Altair products