Junior Brake & Suspension Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA; Chelsea (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a hands‑on, entry‑level engineer to join our vehicle dynamics and brake/suspension development team. The role involves supporting testing, troubleshooting, and tuning, driving test vehicles, and collaborating with senior engineers to improve ride and handling.

The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a passion for cars and practical exposure to motorsports or SAE programs, ready to work on mechanical components at our Chelsea, Michigan facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, or a related field.
• Entry‑level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Strong interest in automotive engineering and hands‑on vehicle development.
• Willingness to drive test vehicles and work directly on mechanical components.
• Basic understanding of brake and suspension systems and vehicle dynamics.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand how component changes affect vehicle behavior.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company and project driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Drive test vehicles to evaluate ride comfort, handling, braking performance, and overall vehicle behavior.
• Identify, document, and help troubleshoot suspension and brake‑related issues during vehicle testing.
• Work with senior engineers to understand vehicle dynamics and recommend improvements.
• Support ride and handling tuning to help achieve smooth, predictable, and well‑balanced vehicle performance.
• Perform hands‑on work such as changing brake pads, adjusting suspension components, and making small mechanical changes to improve vehicle performance.
• Assist with brake and suspension tuning, including evaluating the effects of component changes on vehicle behavior.
• Participate in vehicle testing, data collection, and test‑result analysis.
• Help prepare vehicles for testing and ensure components are installed and functioning properly.
• Collaborate with engineering and test teams to investigate issues and implement improvements.
• Maintain accurate test records and communicate findings clearly to the team.
• Follow all vehicle testing, workshop, and safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Hands-on vehicle development

Vehicle dynamics

Test driving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Automotive/Vehicle Dynamics related field

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a hands‑on, entry‑level engineer with a passion for vehicles, driving, and performance to join our engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys understanding how a vehicle behaves on the road, identifying suspension and brake‑related issues, and making small mechanical changes that improve ride comfort, handling, and braking performance.

Job Summary

The engineer will support vehicle brake and suspension development through hands‑on testing, troubleshooting, and tuning. You will drive vehicles to evaluate ride and handling, identify issues, and work with the engineering team to improve vehicle behavior. The role is especially suited to a recent graduate who has gained practical experience through SAE Baja, Formula SAE, racing teams, autocross, or similar hands‑on automotive projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive test vehicles to evaluate ride comfort, handling, braking performance, and overall vehicle behavior.
• Identify, document, and help troubleshoot suspension and brake‑related issues during vehicle testing.
• Work with senior engineers to understand vehicle dynamics and recommend improvements.
• Support ride and handling tuning to help achieve smooth, predictable, and well‑balanced vehicle performance.
• Perform hands‑on work such as changing brake pads, adjusting suspension components, and making small mechanical changes to improve vehicle performance.
• Assist with brake and suspension tuning, including evaluating the effects of component changes on vehicle behavior.
• Participate in vehicle testing, data collection, and test‑result analysis.
• Help prepare vehicles for testing and ensure components are installed and functioning properly.
• Collaborate with engineering and test teams to investigate issues and implement improvements.
• Maintain accurate test records and communicate findings clearly to the team.
• Follow all vehicle testing, workshop, and safety procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, or a related field.
• Entry‑level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Strong interest in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, and hands‑on vehicle development.
• Willingness to drive test vehicles and work directly on mechanical components.
• Basic understanding of brake systems, suspension systems, and vehicle dynamics.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand how component changes affect vehicle behavior.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company and project driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive industry experience preferred, or experience in a similar technical or motorsports environment.
• Experience with SAE Baja, Formula SAE, or other collegiate automotive racing teams.
• Participation in autocross, road racing, off‑road racing, or other vehicle‑related racing activities.
• Hands‑on experience with brake pad changes, suspension adjustments, vehicle maintenance, or tuning.
• Experience with vehicle testing, data collection, or basic vehicle dynamics analysis.
• Passion for cars, driving, and understanding how small mechanical changes affect vehicle performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who is passionate about cars, enjoys driving, and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. The ideal candidate may be a recent engineering graduate who has worked on a college racing team, participated in SAE Baja or Formula SAE, or gained practical experience through personal vehicle projects or motorsports.

Examples of relevant backgrounds include:

• Suspension or brake subsystem experience
• Collegiate racing team or motorsports project
• Autocross or road racing enthusiast
• Hands‑on automotive repair or tuning experience
• Mechanical engineering graduate with strong automotive interest

This is an opportunity to build practical experience in vehicle dynamics, brake systems, suspension tuning, and automotive testing while working closely with experienced engineers. The role offers the chance to learn how engineering decisions translate into real‑world vehicle performance.

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.