Brake Test Engineer

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC.; Farmington Hills (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC. is seeking a Brake Test Engineer for 100% onsite work at the Astemo Brake Lab in Farmington Hills, MI. The role involves hands-on mechanical engineering, conducting component bench tests, and validating brake calipers and control systems.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, self-motivated, with 1–2 years of test experience in automotive components, and proficient in data analysis and test setup. The position emphasizes safe lab practices and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in mechanical engineering is required.
• 1–2 years of experience in testing automotive components and systems is desired.
• Ability to read automotive procedures, drawings, and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Comply with lab safety requirements and wear PPE.
• Prepare and execute DV, PV, and production-audit brake tests.
• Plan, setup, and realize complete testing systems including fixtures and data acquisition.
• Analyze data in Excel or ProLink to determine acceptability.
• Disassemble/assemble brake assemblies and sub-components.

Skills

Self-motivated

Independent decision-making

Highly organized

Detail-oriented

Strong teamwork

Quick learner

Education

BS/MS in mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

CMM

Job description

Company Name: ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC. Job Family: Engineering

General Description

We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Brake Test Engineer to support the development and validation of automotive brake calipers and brake control systems. This position will be 100% onsite at the Astemo Brake Lab in Farmington Hills, MI. The ideal candidate will be a hand-on, detail-oriented mechanical engineer with experience in conducting component bench tests for the evaluation of product performance and reliability. The Brake Test Engineer will be working in a challenging environment that fosters creativity and problem solving.

Job Responsibilities

• Comply with lab safety requirements and wear PPE, including safety glasses and steel toe shoes
• Read and understand engineering requests, test specifications, procedures, and reference guides
• Prepare and accurately execute DV, PV, production-audit, and field-return brake tests
• Plan, set up, and realize complete testing systems, which may involve the design and fabrication of fixtures, procurement of sensors and actuators, connection and configuration of data acquisition systems, and development of control software, drivers, or scripts.
• Take precision measurements with calibrated instrumentation and enter data into a report
• Operate hydraulic test stands, which may require exposure to oil or brake fluid
• Establish networks using communication protocols (CAN, RS-232, TCP/IP, USB, SENT)
• Keep detailed notes of all observations, issues, or deviations occurring during every test
• Analyze data in Excel, ProLink, or other software tools to determine if results are acceptable
• Disassemble or re-assemble brake assemblies and sub-components as necessary
• Support brake lab 5S (cleanliness) activities and put away unused tools, materials, and chemicals
• Modify test programs in Excel, ProLink, or through a machine interface to achieve targets
• Identify, correct, and prevent durability loads that fall outside an allowable tolerance
• Conduct PID tuning to improve machine control of pressure, torque, or displacement
• Determine cause for improper test results and develop countermeasures to prevent recurrence
• Troubleshoot and resolve common test bench issues, as well as less common equipment failures
• Assist in root cause analysis and subsequent corrective action for encountered failures of hardware or software products
• Generate reports, including documentation of setup and results, and present to Product Engineering
• Gather test requirements and write specifications to achieve validation objectives
• Evaluate existing validation procedures and test rigs to identify and deliver improvements
• Lead a process for fulfilling international orders with hardware from local parts suppliers
• Support Product Engineering with procurement of validation samples from manufacturing sites
• Attend functional training to learn new skills or methods and actively pursue knowledge of current market and technical trends
• Develop and maintain a high level of communication with cross-functional teams and associates, including both internal and external organizations
• Operate a company vehicle, maintain a sufficient fuel level, and identify maintenance needs
• Pick up and deliver parts, hardware, or test equipment from other facilities or suppliers
• Support on-vehicle instrumentation or brake hardware modification as required
• Perform other assignments as required by management or Product Engineering

Qualifications

• Be self-motivated and independently make smart decisions based on available information
• Possess an ability to perceive and understand a vision, dividing it into prioritized tasks
• Be highly organized and detail-oriented - maximize efficiency while minimizing errors
• Maintain a positive attitude and develop strong working relationships with team members
• Possess a desire and ability to learn new skills quickly and apply them to daily work

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate experience in conducting and assessing component validation tests
• Read and understand automotive test procedures, component drawings, and electrical schematics
• Be proficient in advanced use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Exhibit strong verbal and written technical communication skills
• Resolve complex issues in creative, efficient, and effective ways
• Be proficient in data collection and evaluation, including statistical analysis
• Possess knowledge of the IATF 16949 quality system
• Capability to operate CAD software or CMM is desired

Education

BS/MS in mechanical engineering (with appropriate coursework) is required

Experience

1 to 2 years of experience in testing automotive components and systems is desired

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not applicable

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for long durations and occasionally lift and/or move parts weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel (up to 10%) is required; a valid driver's license is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) – Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin.

At Astemo, we’re challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

At Astemo, innovation drives our passion for excellence. As a global leader in the mobility sector, we are dedicated to shaping the future through advanced technology, sustainable practices and a commitment to empowering our diverse team of talented individuals.

We believe that our greatest asset is our people. With a rich legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and forward-thinking mindset, we continuously seek exceptional individuals who share our vision and ambition to redefine the mobility industry.

As you explore our website, we invite you to discover exciting career opportunities across various disciplines and regions. Whether you are an experienced professional or new graduate, there is a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our dynamic global community.

Join us in driving innovation, shaping the future and unlocking new possibilities in the mobility industry. Your journey begins here at Astemo. For Data Privacy queries or technical support, please email us.