Development Engineer

Smartsearchonline; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

Smartsearchonline seeks a Development Engineer to support the design, testing, and validation of advanced powertrain technologies. This role spans from concept through production on cutting-edge motorsports projects.

The ideal candidate has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years in powertrain development and testing, with strong skills in test planning, data acquisition, and documentation. On-site in Santa Clarita, CA, for a multi-year contract.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in powertrain development and testing.
• Experience with test planning, data acquisition, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engineering development plans for new products and technologies.
• Support projects from concept through production implementation.
• Design and coordinate test programs to validate performance.
• Create detailed test procedures, validation plans, and technical documentation.
• Conduct testing, analyze results, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Collect, interpret, and report test data to inform decisions and goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and optimize designs.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for reviews and updates.
• Assist in continuous improvement of testing methodologies and product performance.

Skills

Powertrain development

Test planning

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Test instrumentation

Job description

Job Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Duration: 1+ year
• Location: Santa Clarita, CA
• Weekly Pay Rate: $1,730.77 - $2,307.69
• Industry: Motorsports / High-Performance Engineering

Position Summary

A leading motorsports and high-performance engineering organization is seeking a Development Engineer to support the design, testing, and validation of advanced powertrain technologies. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects from initial concept through production, helping to develop innovative solutions for high-performance automotive applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engineering development plans for new products, components, and technologies.
• Support projects throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept development through production implementation.
• Design and coordinate test programs to validate component and system performance.
• Create detailed test procedures, validation plans, and technical documentation.
• Conduct testing, analyze results, and make recommendations based on data-driven findings.
• Collect, interpret, and report test data to support engineering decisions and project goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to resolve technical issues and optimize designs.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for engineering reviews and management updates.
• Assist in continuous improvement efforts related to testing methodologies, processes, and product performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Emphasis in internal combustion engines, electrified powertrains, or related areas.
• Coursework or experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in powertrain development and testing.
• Experience with:
  • Test planning and execution
  • Validation and verification activities
  • Procedure development and documentation
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Test data analysis and reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with powertrain and/or chassis dynamometer testing.
• Familiarity with data logging hardware and software platforms.
• Experience using test instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Knowledge of internal combustion engine and electrified powertrain technologies.
• Experience supporting product development in automotive, motorsports, or high-performance engineering environments.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to interpret complex technical data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to present technical information effectively to engineers, management, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Self-motivated team player with a passion for innovation and high-performance engineering.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced motorsports and automotive technologies while working alongside a team of highly skilled engineers. If you're passionate about powertrain development, testing, and performance optimization, we'd love to hear from you.