Engineer - Test Engineer

Job Details:
Job Title: Test Engineer
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Duration: 12 Months
Pay Rate: $39.55 per hour on W2
 
Job Description:
PT Emission and V2V Lab Engineer will perform emissions, fuel economy, and Virtual-to-Vehicle (V2V) tests in a powertrain dynamometer test cell. The role requires a strong understanding of test equipment, measurement instrumentation, dynamometer operation, and measurement systems essential for performing these tests. You will integrate devices, measurement instrumentation, auxiliary data acquisition systems, combustion analysis systems, and other tools as requested by the calibration engineers.
The engineer will troubleshoot issues related to data loss, test execution failures, or premature test shutdowns, ensuring successful test completion. The role involves taking ownership of all aspects of the test cell, including verifying proper equipment installation, operation, test execution, data generation, collection, and organization. You will play a key role in making calibration, hardware, and software decisions, including controlling test cells using PLCs. The position requires regular interaction with facilities, instrumentation teams, and vehicle calibration engineers to resolve test cell-related issues.
 
Key Responsibilities:
• Perform emissions, fuel economy, and V2V tests in a powertrain dynamometer test cell.
• Understand and operate test equipment, measurement instrumentation, dynamometer operation, and measurement systems for accurate test execution.
• Integrate various devices and instrumentation into the test cell as required by calibration engineers.
• Troubleshoot test issues, including data loss, premature test shutdowns, and test execution failures.
• Take ownership of test cell operations by ensuring proper installation, equipment operation, and smooth test execution.
• Oversee data generation, collection, and organization to support calibration, hardware, and software decisions.
• Interact with facilities, instrumentation, and vehicle calibration teams to resolve test cell-related issues.
• Work with PLC-controlled systems to perform test procedures effectively.
• Ensure tests meet regulatory and industry standards, such as emissions and fuel economy testing requirements.
 
Qualifications/Skills:
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• Engineering experience in dynamometer test cells, with preference given to experience in powertrain dynamometer test cells.
• Experience with cell automation software and control systems, including AVL PUMA, Horiba Stars, Schenck X-One, etc.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a union-represented, multi-shift lab environment.
• Deep understanding of dynamometer operation and the modes of operation used to control test articles based on test requirements.
• Ability to integrate devices and instrumentation into a dynamometer test cell to meet test objectives.
• Expertise in the types of instrumentation signal types, such as analog inputs/outputs, digital inputs/outputs, and frequency signals encountered in dynamometer test cells.
• Thorough understanding of vehicle road load coefficients, road load derivations, and vehicle energy demand.
• Ability to trace data flow, from its source to its final destination in a data file.
• Knowledge of basic software logic (operators & functions) and ability to write simple programs using languages such as Visual Basic, Python, or C.
• Proficient in setting up a CAN network in a test cell, modifying DBC files, and using software like CANalyzer to collect and analyze CAN signals.
• Experience with ETAS equipment and software, including MDA and INCA.
• Ability to use controller diagnostic software to identify active and stored PCodes (faults).
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with emission and fuel economy testing documentation, including CARB and CFR documents related to emissions testing laws, calculations, and system verifications for combustion engines, PHEV, and battery electric vehicles.
• Understanding of the operation and limitations of HV Batteries, Battery models, and battery emulators (e.g., AV900, AVL BTEXXX).
• Knowledge of PLC systems and their application in controlling critical functions within powertrain test cells.