Technical Specialist - Controls, Advanced Powertrain Systems

FEV North America, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FEV North America, Inc. seeks a Technical Specialist to lead development of advanced control systems for powertrain technologies.

You will mentor project teams, define system requirements, and drive model-based control development from concept through prototype and production-intent applications. The role demands deep expertise in real-time control, embedded systems, calibration-aware algorithm development, and cross-functional collaboration with customers across global markets.

Qualifications

• US citizen required.
• 10+ years of experience in powertrain controls or related propulsion system development.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical project teams and interfacing directly with customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced control strategies for engine, hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and vehicle-level propulsion systems.
• Define system-level and functional requirements for powertrain controls including torque coordination and energy management.
• Develop and review model-based control algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and support implementation into embedded software environments.
• Provide technical leadership for control software architecture, ECU selection, rapid prototyping platforms, and interface definition.
• Conduct MiL, SiL, HiL, engine dyno, chassis dyno, and vehicle-level testing to verify and validate control functions.
• Develop, calibrate, and validate control features for conventional, hybrid, and alternative powertrains.

Skills

Powertrain controls

Mentoring engineers

Customer interfacing

Real-time control design

Model-based development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ETAS INCA

Vector CANape

CANalyzer

CANoe

dSPACE

CalDesk

IBM DOORS

JAMA

JIRA

Job description

Description

This Technical Specialist position at FEV North America, Inc. is an opportunity for the right candidate (US Citizen only) to lead the development of advanced control systems for a wide range of state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, including internal combustion engines, hybrid-electric powertrains, fuel cell systems, and vehicle-level propulsion controls. As a Technical Specialist specializing in controls and virtual development, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring project teams in the definition of system and functional requirements, development of advanced control strategies, software architecture, model-based control implementation, and verification and validation of controls algorithms from concept through prototype and production-intent applications. The role requires strong technical depth in real-time control design, powertrain system integration, embedded controls, calibration-aware algorithm development, and customer-facing technical leadership. Working with highly motivated individuals from across the globe on a variety of engines, hybrid systems, fuel cell powertrains, vehicles, and markets, the Technical Specialist will be positioned at the forefront of future mobility technology. At FEV North America, Inc., the Technical Specialist will have the opportunity to express unique ideas while solving complex engineering problems for next-generation propulsion systems.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

This Technical Specialist position at FEV North America, Inc. is an opportunity for the right candidate (US Citizen only) to lead the development of advanced control systems for a wide range of state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, including internal combustion engines, hybrid-electric powertrains, fuel cell systems, and vehicle-level propulsion controls. As a Technical Specialist specializing in controls and virtual development, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring project teams in the definition of system and functional requirements, development of advanced control strategies, software architecture, model-based control implementation, and verification and validation of controls algorithms from concept through prototype and production-intent applications. The role requires strong technical depth in real-time control design, powertrain system integration, embedded controls, calibration-aware algorithm development, and customer-facing technical leadership. Working with highly motivated individuals from across the globe on a variety of engines, hybrid systems, fuel cell powertrains, vehicles, and markets, the Technical Specialist will be positioned at the forefront of future mobility technology. At FEV North America, Inc., the Technical Specialist will have the opportunity to express unique ideas while solving complex engineering problems for next-generation propulsion systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced control strategies for engine, hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and vehicle-level propulsion systems
• Define system-level and functional requirements for powertrain controls, including torque coordination, energy management, thermal management, diagnostics, safety monitoring, mode management, and supervisory control functions
• Develop and review model-based controls algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and support implementation into embedded software environments
• Provide technical leadership for control software architecture, ECU selection, rapid prototyping platforms, interface definition, signal mapping, and integration planning
• Conduct and guide MiL, SiL, HiL, engine dyno, chassis dyno, and vehicle-level testing to verify and validate control functions
• Develop, calibrate, and validate control features for conventional, hybrid, and alternative powertrain applications in alignment with customer, regulatory, emissions, fuel economy, drivability, and performance requirements
• Guide development and integration of plant models for engines, electric machines, batteries, fuel cell systems, power electronics, transmissions, aftertreatment systems, and vehicle-level powertrain components
• Apply strong knowledge of real-time control design methods, control theory, optimization strategies, sensor and actuator behavior, and automotive electronic control system architecture
• Support implementation of functional safety, diagnostics, OBD, and software quality requirements, including familiarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE/CMMI practices, AUTOSAR concepts, MAAB guidelines, and MISRA standards
• Lead technical issue resolution, root-cause analysis, data review, control strategy refinement, and calibration-aware algorithm improvements across simulation, test bench, dyno, and vehicle environments
• Interface directly with customers to understand application needs, present technical concepts and results, develop proposals, support project planning, and align controls development activities with program objectives
• Mentor engineers, review technical deliverables, guide best practices, and support development of internal controls capability within the BM department
• Support project management activities including work planning, task prioritization, technical risk management, schedule tracking, and coordination of cross-functional teams
• Use industry-standard controls, calibration, data acquisition, and communication tools including MATLAB/Simulink, ETAS INCA, ATI Vision, Vector CANape, CANalyzer, CANoe, dSPACE, CalDesk, and related rapid prototyping or HiL environments

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen
• 10+ years of experience in powertrain controls, embedded controls software development, model-based controls development, calibration, or related propulsion system development
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field required
• Demonstrated experience leading technical project teams, mentoring engineers, reviewing controls deliverables, and interfacing directly with customers
• Strong fundamentals in powertrain systems, including engines, hybrid-electric systems, electric machines, batteries, fuel cell systems, transmissions, aftertreatment, thermal systems, sensors, actuators, and vehicle integration
• Strong knowledge of real-time control design, control theory, embedded software development, system integration, and verification and validation methods
• Working experience with some or all of the following tools and environments:
• MATLAB/Simulink, Stateflow, C, C++, and model-based development workflows
• ETAS INCA, ATI Vision, Vector CANape, CANalyzer, CANoe, and related calibration or communication tools
• dSPACE, CalDesk, Motohawk, Pi-Innovo, rapid prototyping controllers, HiL systems, and dyno or vehicle data acquisition environments
• Requirements and project tracking tools such as IBM DOORS, JAMA, JIRA, and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Experience with hybrid supervisory controls, electrified powertrain controls, fuel cell system controls, engine controls, diagnostics, OBD, emissions controls, or thermal management controls preferred
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR, ISO 26262, cybersecurity considerations, software quality processes, MAAB guidelines, MISRA standards, and production software release processes preferred

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.