Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
Location: Multimatic Engineering, Novi, Michigan, United States
Multimatic Inc. is a world class company that has experienced tremendous growth since its inception. This growth was achieved as a result of the skill and dedication of our employees.
From Art to Part.
Multimatic Engineering is a unique blend of high-volume, production-focused engineering, vehicle systems expertise and advanced R&D capability. We have a comprehensive development team supporting Multimatic’s manufacturing divisions while also providing contract engineering services to a variety of outside customers. Multimatic Engineering has design, analysis, electronics, vehicle dynamics and testing capabilities and closely collaborates with in-house prototype and tooling enabling a highly efficient product development process. Multimatic Engineering develops products for major automotive OEMs and a growing number of niche vehicle manufacturers.
Multimatic Technical Centre (MTC) is part of Multimatic’s Engineering Group. MTC's main facility is located in Markham, Ontario, Canada; we also have a small Engineering presence in our Novi, Michigan facility.
MTC is seeking an Vehicle Dynamics Engineer - Ride & Handling. In this role, you'll participate in and lead diverse vehicle dynamic development programs for internal Multimatic and external customer projects through all phases, ultimately delivering vehicles with optimized ride, steering and handling characteristics. If this aligns with your experience and you are looking to accelerate your career, we'd love to meet you! You will be join a team of passionate, knowledgeable, high performing vehicle enthusiasts who create an environment that will challenge you to excel and encourage your technical and personal development.
POSITION SUMMARY
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform vehicle testing and evaluate subjective and objective ride comfort and (limit) handling dynamics.
- Perform vehicle dynamics simulation studies to identify influences of key vehicle parameters and drive design direction prior to and during physical vehicle testing
- Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles and manage supplier activities
- Development and tuning of suspension components, damper systems and kinematics
- Benchmark performance evaluation and target definition for vehicle, system and components.
- Coordinate prototype vehicle testing and development projects with other involved departments (Testing, Analysis, Design etc.)
- Support other Multimatic division business (e.g. DSSV damper manufacturing business – customer ride development support, sales)
- Identify latest market and technology trends
- Update test procedures and assessment schemes
- Create and manage project timelines that integrate into the overall timing of the larger program
- Scout and implement latest development tools
- Provide reporting and documentation of test results
- Review all related supplier/customer/federal specifications/requirements
- Compare the predicted and measured performance as data becomes available
- Create and/or review reports, presentations and releases as required
- Attend meetings, present results, and perform demonstrations as required
- Maintain strong working relationships with customers conveying both professionalism and strong product knowledge; ensure that the customer’s requirements, which include project timing, are understood and met
- Provide training, guidance, and assistance to co-workers and students as required including assisting with student reviews as required
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the vehicle dynamics development processes
- Follow safe work practices and maintains equipment and tools, as well as workspace in a safe, clean, organized manner
- Perform all other duties as determined by the General Manager or his designate
Qualifications:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate engineering degree in mechanical, automotive, mechatronics or related field; graduate degree an asset.
- A minimum of 5 years’ of relevant engineering experience in vehicle ride & handling development and vehicle dynamics
- Licensed to operate vehicles at limit on road and closed tracks and facilities and very high level of driving proficiency up to and including limit handling evaluation of: passenger cars; high CG vehicles (lightly/heavily loaded); and high performance cars on road and track
- Excellent subjective dynamics evaluation skills for all ride, steering and handling attributes
- Strong grasp of objective ride, steering and handling test techniques and familiarity with data collection/processing
- Thorough knowledge of suspension K&C characteristics and effects of dynamics performance
- Experienced in the use of full motion driving simulators
- Extensive damper tuning background and fundamental knowledge of damper hydraulics
- Experience of tuning multiple suspension types / market segments
- Extensive experience of tuning/evaluating all chassis components (springs, ARBs. Tires, bushings, kinematics etc.)
- Chassis controls tuning/evaluation (ESC/ABS/Torque vectoring etc.) preferred
- Ability to use precision measuring devices
- Knowledge of vehicle communication protocols and diagnostic protocols ideal
- Practical experience using kinematic and dynamics modelling/simulation packages (ADAMS, VI Grade, Car Real Time etc.) and techniques
- Strong understanding of kinematic and dynamic principles and theoretical background
- International market condition awareness/experience
- Must be familiar with quality management systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; including demonstrated ability to work and communicate with others across all levels of the organization as well as external stakeholders
- High analytical aptitude for creation or use of objective test methods, metrics land analysis techniques including demonstrated experience with troubleshooting/root cause analysis
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to maintain tact, diplomacy and confidentiality (must be protective of company’s data and methods given close relationship with customer)
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and operate at times in highly unstructured environments
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Project)
- Self-motivated/self-directed to achieve results under minimal supervision and have a results-oriented working attitude
- Ability to and valid documentation for both domestic and international travel, sometimes for 2-3 weeks at a time to support product development and testing
- Valid Driver’s License and clear driving record
If you are interested in this position, apply by sending us your cover letter and resume.
We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.
As part of our commitment to ensuring our employment practices are fair, accessible, and inclusive of persons with disabilities, recruitment-related accommodations for disabilities, are available upon request throughout the recruitment and assessment process for applicants with disabilities.