Chassis Controls Performance Engineer - GM Defense

GM Defense is looking for a Chassis Controls Engineer to help create the future of GM Defense-related vehicles. The GM Defense Performance Team operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every day presents new challenges impacting current and future defense ground vehicles. This includes participating in the AVD process, establishing vehicle-level and subsystem requirements, and following projects through prototype builds, vehicle integration, and program launch.

About the Role

The Chassis Controls Performance Engineer leads the development and tuning of the Chassis Controls System for a given vehicle, platform, and architecture. Chassis Controls includes anti-lock braking systems (ABS), Traction Control Systems, Yaw Stability Control Systems (StabiliTrak), All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive controls, and Vehicle Mode Controls.

Responsibilities

• Define performance requirements and lead the integration of controls with HiL, vehicle hardware, and software.
• Develop vehicle-level implementation of chassis control subsystems (ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control, All-Wheel Drive, or 4-Wheel Drive controls).
• Integrate control systems with each other and with vehicle hardware and software.
• Work with controls system supplier engineers to adapt systems to the vehicle.
• Lead, mentor, and execute the design of vehicle development test plans, including calendars, events, milestones, test vehicles, locations, supplier scheduling, development parts, and demonstrations.
• Define system requirements and tune control systems with suppliers to achieve vehicle performance requirements.
• Create and apply models (MATLAB or other) to determine system performance and interactions analytically to guide hardware development.
• Lead, mentor, and execute test procedures on artificial and real road surfaces to determine vehicle system performance and optimize interactions (e.g., snow/ice handling, traction evaluations, evasive maneuvers, brake stopping distance evaluations on dry pavement, wet, ice, snow, sand, gravel, and dirt).
• Set up vehicle measurement instrumentation, execute measurements, and interpret data to guide development.
• Measure vehicle performance as part of validation to meet MVSS (federal), global, and internal requirements.
• Complete validation and required reporting for each variant.
• Demonstrate vehicle performance of control systems to management and media.
• Initiate documents to provide engineering authority for design groups and suppliers to execute design, calibration, and software.
• Exhibit leadership within cross-functional teams to work with engineering functions, suppliers, plant personnel, and others to implement cost reductions, methods, product improvements, and support build programs.
• Support assembly plants at the start of production as required.
• Stay abreast of new technology and competitive products.

Requirements

• 5+ years of defense or automotive engineering experience.
• BS/MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, or related technical degree.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to operate test vehicles.
• Able and willing to travel as needed (e.g., winter testing in Northern MI, DPG for summer test, onsite customer support, media events).
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of HIL experience in Chassis Controls Systems or equivalent.
• Design, development, or validation experience with chassis controls systems such as ABS, traction control, or vehicle stability systems.
• In-depth understanding of control system theory (classical and digital).
• Strong engineering foundation with an understanding of physics.
• General understanding of mechanical/electrical mechanisms.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within teams and lead cross-functional teams to desired results.
• Proficient in dealing with ambiguity.
• Self-motivated with a passion for learning.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Schedule

This role is categorized as hybrid. The selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week (or other frequency dictated by their manager). Travel is required <25% for this role.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion, and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer, and more equitable for all.