Vehicle Development Engineer

BWI GROUP; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

BWI Group, headquartered in Brighton, MI, is seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer focused on the development of advanced suspension systems including MagneRide technology. This role involves leading the full lifecycle of suspension system projects, ensuring optimal vehicle dynamics through rigorous testing and collaboration with OEM customers.

The ideal candidate should possess a relevant engineering background, extensive experience in automotive suspension, and excellent analytical skills. The position requires strong leadership and teamwork abilities.

Qualifications

• 3-10 years’ experience in an automotive environment.
• Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts including embedded microcontroller software.
• Simulation and modeling experience essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle development for passive and MagneRide damper systems.
• Perform tuning, analyze vehicle dynamics and provide calibration improvements.
• Collaborate with OEMs on vehicle performance targets.

Skills

Vehicle suspension system knowledge

Experience in developing performance specifications

Ability to read and interpret Simulink models

High-performance driving experience

3-10 years’ experience in automotive industry

Data acquisition systems experience

FSAE or Baja SAE Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Master’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Windows Office Suite

Simulink

Job description

Position Summary

BWI Group is a premier chassis supplier that designs and manufactures brake and suspension systems for the global transportation market. BWI Group is seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer to lead the development, tuning, and validation of passive and semi‑active suspension systems, including MagneRide (MR) technology.

This role focuses on delivering optimal ride, handling, and vehicle dynamics performance while supporting OEM programs from concept through production. BWI’s MagneRide system uses magnetorheological fluid to rapidly adjust damping forces, enabling precise control of vehicle dynamics and ride comfort.

About the Role

BWI Group is seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer to work with our application engineering and product development teams specializing in pneumatic and hydraulic vehicle lift and leveling systems. You will assist in closing the gap between advanced technical solutions and customer‑specific vehicle applications, assist with the full lifecycle from initial concept to high‑volume production release. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in vertical dynamics and leadership skills to mentor a high‑performing multidisciplinary team.

Job Responsibilities

Vehicle Development & Tuning

• Lead vehicle‑level development of passive and MR (MagneRide) damper systems
• Perform ride & handling tuning, subjective and objective evaluations
• Support simulated / virtual tuning to model vehicle performance prior to physical hardware
• Define and execute vehicle test plans (proving grounds, road tests, lab validation)
• Analyze vehicle dynamics data and recommend calibration improvements
• Author verification test reports
• Support integration of MagneRide systems (dampers, sensors, ECU controls)
• Collaborate with controls/software teams on damping algorithms and calibration
• Troubleshoot system‑level issues and support root cause analysis
• Develop and validate conventional damper systems (valving, tuning, durability)
• Support benchmarking and competitive analysis of suspension systems

Program & OEM Interface

• Work directly with OEM customers on vehicle performance targets and feedback
• Support design reviews, DV/PV testing, and launch activities
• Ensure alignment with program timing, quality, and cost objectives
• Frequency travel to test sites and customer locations as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, preferably master’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3-10 years’ experience in the automotive industry, preferably in suspension controls or vehicle testing
• Vehicle suspension system knowledge
• Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts including embedded microcontroller software/controls
• Simulation and modeling experience
• Ability to read and interpret Simulink models and compiled C‑code
• Experience in developing performance specifications
• High‑performance driving experience
• Experience with data acquisition systems and data collection/reduction
• Experience with HIL testing or vehicle testing
• FSAE or Baja SAE Experience

Travel Required (%)

>50% travel to meet customers and suppliers with day travel to the various manufacturing facilities as required.

Language Skills

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Computer Skills

Ability to use and understand Windows Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint, Microsoft (email). This is additional to the computer skill requirements as stated in the requirement qualifications.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Able to read and understand engineering prints/drawings. Good level of analytical skills and interpersonal skills. Ability to work on a team. Ability to guide the efforts of support personnel. Good teambuilding skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.