Transmission Controls Systems Development Engineer

generalmotors; Pontiac (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Development Engineer to lead transmission controls testing, from setup to data analysis, in a hybrid work environment. You will collaborate with calibration, controls, hardware, and facilities teams to improve testing strategies and adopt virtual engineering and model-based methodologies.

The role emphasizes root-cause investigations, robust data handling, and mentoring junior engineers while advancing test efficiency and process improvements across

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline as listed.
• 2+ years automotive engineering experience with exposure to transmission systems.
• Strong understanding of development and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Support development test units through setup, debugging, and test readiness activities.
• Plan, develop, and execute first-time-capable tests for transmission hardware and calibration.
• Track and communicate testing progress and issues to stakeholders.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolve test setup/execution issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance tests and methodologies.
• Understand ECU control algorithms and calibration processes to support development.
• Develop post-processing tools to improve data quality and analysis efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for data reduction and automation.
• Document procedures, results, and recommendations with clear reports.
• Mentor and develop new engineers.

Skills

Automotive engineering

Transmission systems

Data acquisition

Test planning

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Model-based development

Data analysis

Travel readiness

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related field

Tools

PUMA

IndiCom

CAMEO

ETAS INCA / MDA

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

A Development Engineer within Transmission Controls Systems is responsible for delivering high-quality transmission development and validation activities that support current and future propulsion programs. The engineer will lead testing efforts from setup and execution through data analysis and issue resolution while partnering with calibration, controls, hardware, and facilities teams. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a passion for continuous improvement. This role provides opportunities to influence testing strategies, improve development processes, and advance the adoption of virtual engineering tools and model-based development methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development test units throughout the build process, including setup, debugging, and test readiness activities.
• Plan, develop, and execute first-time-capable tests to support transmission hardware and calibration development.
• Track, monitor, and communicate testing progress, technical issues, and project status to stakeholders.
• Lead root cause investigations and resolve technical issues encountered during test setup and execution.
• Collaborate with Product Development Teams, Technical Experts, Calibration and Controls engineers, and hardware development teams to enhance existing tests and develop new testing methodologies.
• Develop an understanding of ECU control algorithms and associated calibration processes to effectively support development activities.
• Utilize and develop post-processing tools to ensure data quality, improve analysis efficiency, and maximize the value of collected test data.
• Identify opportunities for data reduction, automation, and process optimization.
• Develop and implement global standard work processes and best practices to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Work closely with facilities teams, technical leads, hardware release engineers, and cross-functional partners to improve test execution and laboratory operations.
• Support the transition of development work from vehicle and laboratory testing to math-based models, simulation environments, and virtual validation tools.
• Document test procedures, results, and recommendations with clear and concise technical reporting.
• Train, mentor, and support the development of new engineers and team members.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Or a related engineering discipline

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of automotive engineering experience with exposure to transmission systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering development and validation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in a fast-paced development environment.
• Excellent planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong peer relationships.
• Strong prioritization and project management capabilities.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and engineering test environments.
• Experience analyzing engineering data to optimize testing, development, or model performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for offsite testing activities (less than 15%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • PUMA
  • IndiCom
  • CAMEO
  • ETAS INCA / MDA
• Experience supporting propulsion system calibration in both laboratory and vehicle environments.
• Two or more years of experience in transmission testing, Development, Validation, Controls, Calibration, or hardware development.
• Strong understanding of transmission operation, functionality, controls, and performance characteristics.
• Experience with model-based development, simulation tools, or virtual validation methodologies.
• Knowledge of data analytics, automation, and test efficiency improvement techniques.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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