Vehicle Calibration Engineer

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand, seeks a Powertrain Calibration Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI to lead gasoline engine calibration methodology and model-based development. You will mentor engineers, drive best practices, and collaborate across controls, software, validation, and programs.

Candidates should have 3–5 years in gasoline calibration and a strong problem-solving mindset. Responsibilities include establishing release-readiness, validating with engine dynos and HIL/SIL/MIL,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 3–5 years in gasoline vehicle calibration or powertrain controls.
• Hands-on dynamometer calibration experience with boosted gasoline engines.
• Strong understanding of internal combustion engine systems and emissions controls.
• Experience developing torque models, spark calibrations, knock control calibrations, and emissions calibrations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and standardization of gasoline engine base calibration methodologies.
• Develop model-based and physics-based calibration approaches with defined inputs, assumptions, limitations, and acceptance criteria.
• Guide the development and validation of virtual engine and powertrain models to reduce testing.
• Establish model correlation strategies between simulation and physical test results.
• Define calibration release-readiness criteria, checklists, and documentation standards.
• Create validation methodologies for engine dynos, vehicle testing, HIL/SIL/MIL, and virtual development environments.
• Mentor calibration engineers and promote best practices across teams.

Skills

Gasoline Vehicle Calibration

Powertrain Controls

Model-Based Development

Engine System Development

Calibrations Methodology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

ETAS INCA

ETAS MDA

dSPACE AutomationDesk

dSPACE ControlDesk

Job description

HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop)

The successful candidate will collaborate with other team members to bridge physical engine behaviors using simulation models and production calibration requirements. This position plays a critical role in establishing best practices for steady-state nominal, emissions, off-nominal, and transient calibration development while supporting virtual engineering initiatives that reduce development time and testing costs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated engineer who enjoys technical problem-solving, process improvement, mentoring engineers, and driving innovation in powertrain calibration methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Calibration Methodology Leadership

• Development and standardization of gasoline engine base calibration methodologies, including:
  • Torque Model
  • Spark
  • Knock Control
  • Combustion Systems
  • Airflow Management
  • Fuel Systems
  • Boost Control
  • Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
  • Idle Control
  • Startability
  • Steady-State Emissions
  • Off-Nominal Operation
  • Transient Calibration

Model-Based Development

• Develop and refine model-based and physics-based calibration approaches with clearly defined:
  • Inputs
  • Assumptions
  • Limitations
  • Acceptance criteria
• Guide the development and validation of virtual engine and powertrain models to reduce dependency on physical testing.
• Establish model correlation strategies that improve agreement between simulation environments and physical testing results.

Validation & Release Readiness

• Define calibration release-readiness criteria, engineering checklists, and documentation standards.
• Establish requirements for calibration freeze milestones, software releases, and program launch readiness.
• Create validation methodologies and test plans for:
  • Engine Dyno
  • Vehicle Testing
  • HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop)
  • SIL (Software-in-the-Loop)
  • MIL (Model-in-the-Loop)
  • Virtual Development Environments

Data Analysis & Problem Solving

• Develop structured root-cause analysis processes and issue-resolution workflows.
• Analyze calibration and vehicle data to identify performance opportunities and corrective actions.
• Capture lessons learned and establish reusable engineering countermeasures across applications.

Tools & Process Standardization

• Drive consistent use of engineering toolchains including:
  • MATLAB
  • Simulink
  • ETAS INCA
  • ETAS MDA
  • dSPACE AutomationDesk
  • dSPACE ControlDesk
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on calibration efficiency and quality.

Technical Leadership

• Mentor calibration engineers and support technical development across the organization.
• Collaborate with controls, software, systems, simulation, validation, and program teams.
• Promote best practices in calibration development, documentation, validation, and release processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Gasoline Vehicle Calibration
  • Powertrain Controls
  • Engine System Development
  • Calibration Methodology Development
  • Model-Based or Physics-Based Development
• Prior hands-on dynamometer calibration experience with:
  • Boosted Gasoline Engines
• Understanding of internal combustion engine systems, including:
  • Combustion
  • Valvetrain Systems
  • Fuel Systems
  • Boost Systems
  • EGR Systems
  • Emissions Controls
  • Aftertreatment Systems
  • Thermal Protection Strategies
  • Transient Engine Behavior
• Experience developing and validating:
  • Torque Models
  • Spark Calibrations
  • Knock Control Calibrations
  • Combustion Calibrations
  • Airflow Models
  • Fuel Calibrations
  • Boost Controls
  • VVT Strategies
  • Emissions Calibrations
  • Off-Nominal Calibrations
  • Transient Calibrations
• Experience collecting and interpreting data from:
  • Engine Dynos
  • Vehicle Testing
  • HIL/SIL/MIL Environments
  • Virtual Development Platforms
• Proficiency with:
  • ETAS INCA
  • ETAS MDA
  • MATLAB
  • Simulink
  • dSPACE AutomationDesk
  • dSPACE ControlDesk
  • Data Analytics and Visualization Tools
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge gasoline engine and advanced combustion technologies.
• Influence calibration methodologies used across multiple vehicle programs.
• Collaborate with highly experienced powertrain, controls, simulation, and validation engineers.
• Drive innovation in model-based calibration and virtual engineering development.
• Opportunity to shape engineering standards, best practices, and future calibration strategies.

If you are passionate about vehicle calibration, advanced controls, and creating repeatable engineering solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and performance, we encourage you to apply.