Vehicle Dynamics Performance Engineer

Scope of Work: Project Performance Engineer – Vehicle Dynamics The Project Performance Engineer (PPE) for Vehicle Dynamics is responsible for achieving vehicle‑level ride and handling targets for Stellantis Vehicles. The candidate will coordinate with a team of core dynamics engineers to establish development timelines to meet all functional objectives, component‑tuning freeze dates, and electronic control hardware/software release dates. The PPE also analyzes and mitigates the vehicle dynamics performance impact of engineering, brand, and marketing requests, coordinates activities with multiple external stakeholders (powertrain, mechatronics, etc.), and provides updates to senior management regarding the state of the program. The PPE will be responsible for in‑vehicle development of critical components to meet the vehicle’s overall ride, steering, handling, and tire performance objectives. Development work takes place predominantly at the Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan, with travel required to other test locations as weather and test‑surface conditions dictate. Significant travel occurs during the winter months, with trips lasting 2–3 weeks at a time. Travel is mostly domestic within North America, but can also be international, accounting for roughly 20% of the engineer’s time. Job Responsibilities Provide guidance to advanced chassis design teams to develop suspension architectures that support vehicle line targets and functional objectives. Lead development activities, including testing and subjective assessment of vehicle‑level function to ensure alignment with targets. Develop suspension mechanical and electromechanical components and systems to achieve driving dynamics functional attribute targets. Perform subjective evaluations of ride, steering, and handling and assign ratings according to SAE subjective scales, up to and beyond the handling limits of the vehicle. Work closely with suppliers to drive changes required to complete tuning of all systems, including air springs, passive dampers, semi‑active dampers, and electronic power steering. Support all active chassis teams in development/implementation/testing of electromechanical hardware and supporting software through a data acquisition system. Develop state‑of‑the‑art prototype and production control solutions for electromechanical suspension components. (Include to separate the two parts of this bullet.) Contribute to the development of future semi‑active damping strategies and algorithm functional execution. Work closely with chassis controls team members to develop seamless integration with other active chassis controls components and systems. Develop and execute vehicle performance DVP&R. Support the core software team with execution of functional and failsafe DVP&R with vehicle‑level tests. Basic Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent. At least 2 years of related engineering experience. At least 2 years of automotive testing and validation experience. Excellent knowledge of vehicle dynamics. Excellent knowledge and understanding of vehicle systems. Experience with requirements management and software version management tools. Effective project management, organizational, and teamwork skills. Data logging and analysis expertise using tools such as Vector CANalyzer and CANape. Capability to drive vehicles at, or above, the limit of handling. Valid U.S. driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications Master of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university. DFSS Green Belt certification. Hardware‑in‑Loop (HIL) simulation experience. Mechatronics‑based skills, experience, or education. Self‑starter with strong communication skills. CAN networking experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr