Mechanical, Test & Validation Engineering 2

EPITEC; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

EPITEC in Ann Arbor, MI seeks a Mechanical Test & Validation Engineer II to lead hands-on powertrain durability testing, data acquisition, and diagnostics for development vehicles.

You will coordinate testing activities, review emissions data, troubleshoot issues, and work with cross-functional teams to drive robust validation and readiness for future FTE conversion. Hybrid schedule with 12-month contract and hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Electrical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in powertrain development, durability, calibration, emissions, OBD, or drivability.
• Experience with automotive data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate powertrain durability vehicles and mileage accumulation testing.
• Track vehicle status, test progress, downtime, repairs, and technical issues.
• Support vehicle preparation and ensure software, calibration, hardware, and instrumentation are ready for testing.
• Schedule and coordinate emissions testing and review test data for abnormalities.
• Compare emissions and OBD test results against applicable requirements.
• Diagnose vehicle and powertrain issues using diagnostic tools, measurement data, and test results.
• Investigate vehicle downtime, fault events, and drivability concerns.
• Support root cause analysis, repairs, countermeasures, and validation testing.
• Perform hands-on vehicle assessments and drive development vehicles as needed.
• Coordinate with workshops, test drivers, engineering teams, suppliers, and other technical partners.
• Maintain test documentation and provide clear technical status updates.

Skills

Data acquisition system knowledge

Vehicle diagnostic and troubleshooting

2+ years of powertrain experience

Hands-on automotive testing

Collaborative, team-oriented approach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, or a related Engineering field

Tools

INCA

MATLAB/Simulink

Monaco

CAN bus

ECU communication

Job description

Mechanical Test & Validation Engineer II

We are seeking a Mechanical Test & Validation Engineer II to support powertrain durability testing and validation of development vehicles. This position will coordinate vehicle testing, monitor durability activities, review emissions and diagnostic data, troubleshoot vehicle issues, and support technical investigations through resolution. This is a great opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on automotive testing, vehicle diagnostics, data acquisition, and powertrain development.

Location & Details

Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Contract: 12 months
Schedule: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, flexible
Hybrid: 4 days onsite / 1 day remote
Salary: $43 - $45 an hour

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate powertrain durability vehicles and mileage accumulation testing.
• Track vehicle status, test progress, downtime, repairs, and technical issues.
• Support vehicle preparation and ensure software, calibration, hardware, and instrumentation are ready for testing.
• Schedule and coordinate emissions testing and review test data for abnormalities.
• Compare emissions and OBD test results against applicable requirements.
• Diagnose vehicle and powertrain issues using diagnostic tools, measurement data, and test results.
• Investigate vehicle downtime, fault events, and drivability concerns.
• Support root cause analysis, repairs, countermeasures, and validation testing.
• Perform hands-on vehicle assessments and drive development vehicles as needed.
• Coordinate with workshops, test drivers, engineering teams, suppliers, and other technical partners.
• Maintain test documentation and provide clear technical status updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, or a related Engineering field.
• 2+ years of experience with powertrain-related engineering, including areas such as development, durability, calibration, emissions, OBD, or drivability.
• Knowledge of automotive data acquisition systems.
• Strong vehicle diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic information, measurement data, and vehicle test results.Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with willingness to operate development vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with INCA or similar data acquisition/measurement tools.
• Powertrain durability or mileage accumulation testing experience.
• Knowledge of emissions and OBD systems.
• Familiarity with CAN bus, ECU communication, and vehicle diagnostics.
• Bosch ECU experience.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Monaco, or comparable automotive engineering tools.
• Experience with conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric powertrain systems.

Top Skills We're Looking For

• Data acquisition system knowledge
• Ability to diagnose vehicle issues
• 2+ years of powertrain experience
• Strong automotive interest and hands-on troubleshooting ability
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach

Why Join?

The position provides exposure across the Mercedes-Benz vehicle lineup and hands‑on experience with vehicle testing, diagnostics, emissions, durability, and powertrain development. The team is being rebuilt, creating an opportunity to contribute to its development and growth. The hiring manager also indicated interest in potential future conversion to an FTE position. #INDOEM