Powertrain Testing Engineer

Optimal Solution Company; Allen Park (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal Solution Company in Michigan is seeking an Aftertreatment Hardware Testing & Validation engineer to plan and execute emissions testing on vehicle and engine dynamometers at OEM facilities and external labs. You will analyze test data, report findings, develop calibrations to reduce tailpipe emissions, and coordinate test planning and TR submissions.

Bachelor's degree required; 3+ years in emissions testing; strong problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills; experience

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years of emissions testing experience.
• Strong knowledge of emissions regulations and certification processes.
• Ability to manage large, complex projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and support vehicle and engine dynamometer testing at OEM facilities and external labs.
• Perform data post-processing and extract key statistics for emissions compliance and calibration assessment.
• Develop, optimize, and validate full-cycle emissions calibrations (cold start, warm-up, hot stabilized) for target standards.
• Summarize test findings and data analysis results in clear, actionable presentations.
• Coordinate test planning and submit weekly Test Requests (TRs).
• Track test assets and vehicle configurations, including fuel types and calibrations.

Job description

Position Description:
Hands-on Aftertreatment Hardware Testing & Validation: Plan, execute, and support vehicle, powertrain dynamometer, and/or engine dynamometer testing at internal OEM facilities and external vendor locations. The goal is to rigorously prove out the capability of low-emission technologies to meet future emission standards, including specific cycles like ACCII Stand Alone US06.
Problem Identification & Reporting: Proactively identify potential calibration concerns or issues encountered during testing and effectively report these findings to technical specialists for resolution and guidance.
Data Post-Processing: Perform post-processing of test data files (e.g., ATI Rec files) using supplied or alternative vendor tools. Extract and analyze key statistics critical for emissions compliance and calibration assessment
Detailed Data Analysis: Perform thorough and detailed analysis of emissions test data, extracting key insights and providing data-driven recommended actions to optimize calibrations and address issues.
Technical Communication: Summarize test findings, data analysis results, and recommended actions in clear, concise, and impactful presentations.
Test Asset Management: Track and maintain accurate records of test vehicle status, including fuel types, hardware configurations, calibration levels, and any relevant modifications.
Test Planning & Coordination: Actively participate in the test planning process to ensure testing aligns with program goals and timelines.
Test Request Submission: Prepare and submit necessary Test Requests (TRs) on a weekly basis to facilitate and schedule required testing activities.
Calibration Development & Optimization: Develop, optimize, and validate full-cycle emissions calibrations (including cold start, warm-up, and hot stabilized conditions) specifically targeting SULEV30, ACCII, and Tier4 gaseous and PM tailpipe emissions standards.

Skills Required:
Analytical, Problem Solving, Test Planning, Data Acquisition, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Data Management, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Calibration, Testing
Analytical Being able to carefully examine data or breaking down a problem into smaller parts
Problem Solving Be able to take a problem and use a structured problem-solving process, i.e. DMAIC, to solve.
Test Planning Develop a test plan to solve the problem being worked or come up with DOE to test multiple changes
Data Acquisition Develop data acquisition lists and record data using appropriate acquisition software
Data Analysis Plot data appropriately to draw conclusions and make appropriate decisions
Data Integrity Verify that data is valid, sample rate, alignment and values are reasonable for the range expected for the parameter Data Management Develop a naming convention and storage system that allows others to be able to easily find files Technical Communication Be able to speak with co-workers on the technical topics being worked on (aftertreatment and emissions)
Technical Documentation Be able to take the data and put into various documents (spreadsheets and powerpoints) to communicate the testing done, findings and next steps.
Calibration Evaluate data to and develop changes to the engine emissions calibration to reduce the tailpipe emissions and optimize aftertreatment performance.
Testing Execute a pre-defined test plan

Experience Required:
BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
3+ years of experience in emissions and emissions testing
3+ years demonstrating a fundamental understanding of internal combustion engine function
Solid understanding of emissions regulations, certification process, and technologies that are effective in reducing emissions
Advanced problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership skills, passion for quality, passion for customer inherent self-starter with strong drive for results
High technical aptitude
Ability to manage/resolve challenging complex issues.
Strong skills in project planning and management must have experience in managing large complex projects.
Strong oral/written communication skills to lead group projects, issue resolution, and management reviews.

Education Required:
Bachelor's Degree

Use of AI Technology:
Unless expressly authorized in the interview/skill set validation instructions, candidates may not use AI tools or other third-party assistance during an interview or assessment to generate or provide substantive answers to interview questions. Candidates should answer organically in their own words, drawing on their own knowledge, skills, and experience. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in the candidate being removed from consideration.