Junior Brake/Suspension Engineer

Alten USA; Chelsea (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an entry-level test engineer to support brake and suspension development through hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and tuning.

You will drive vehicles, document issues, and work with the engineering team to improve ride and handling, ideal for recent graduates with SAE experience.

Join a team that values mentorship, career growth, and comprehensive benefits while contributing to advanced automotive programs.

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.

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 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

Hands-on testing

Vehicle dynamics interest

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Engineering / Vehicle Dynamics

Tools

Testing equipment handling

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

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:

• SAE Baja / Formula SAE team member
• 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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Compliance Notice:

Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement:

As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.