Senior Calibration Assistant - Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Controls Calibration

About the role

The Vehicle Dynamics & Chassis Controls Senior Calibration Assistant supports the development, execution, and delivery of chassis controls and vehicle dynamics calibrations across multiple vehicle programs. This role focuses on hands-on vehicle and bench work, test execution, data collection, and first-level analysis in support of calibration engineers, Feature Strategists, and Calibration Technical Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain development vehicles for chassis controls and vehicle dynamics work, including software updates, calibration loads, and basic instrumentation.
• Coordinate with garages, labs, and proving grounds to schedule vehicles, shop time, and instrumentation for development, validation, and winter testing.
• Execute directed test plans (on-road, proving ground, winter test sites, and bench/HIL) under the guidance of calibration engineers and calibration TSs.
• Operate data acquisition and logging tools (e.g., VD/Chassis loggers, CAN/Ethernet tools, IMU/WSS data capture) and ensure high-quality datasets for analysis.
• Support bench and HIL/SIL test execution, including loading software/calibrations, configuring scenarios, and monitoring runs.
• Load and manage calibration and software content on vehicles and benches using standard toolchains (e.g., CRETA/CalPortal, SPR/VeSCoM flows, JIRA-driven patches), following established release and traceability processes.
• Maintain accurate records of calibration sets, software versions, and hardware configurations for each vehicle/bench used in testing.
• Perform basic calibration adjustments and A/B comparisons under engineering direction (e.g., simple parameter sweeps, patch evaluation) and document outcomes.
• Post-process and organize test data (time histories, objective metrics, driver feedback) into formats usable by calibration and performance engineers.
• Create concise test summaries (conditions, configurations, key observations, anomalies) and share with responsible engineers and Feature Strategists.
• Absorb and reproduce issues/PRTS, collect necessary logs, screenshots, and configuration details to support root-cause analysis.
• Lead day-to-day readiness for assigned vehicles/benches, including basic diagnostics, fault clearing when appropriate, and coordination for repairs or hardware changes.
• Carefully coordinate instrumentation installs and removals (e.g., wheel force transducers, additional sensors, brake pressure, ride height, etc.) with internal or supplier teams as needed.
• Support trip planning and logistics for development work (e.g., winter test trips), including vehicle prep, parts/tool lists, and load-in/load-out.
• Collaborate closely with Calibration Engineers, Feature Strategists, Calibration TS, HIL/SIL teams, and Performance Engineers to ensure smooth execution of plans and quick feedback loops.
• Provide feedback on procedures, checklists, and tools to improve efficiency, repeatability, and safety in calibration execution.
• Support the team's calibration modernization efforts by helping exercise virtual methods, automation scripts, and standardized test procedures.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Automotive Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Technology, or related field OR equivalent hands-on experience in vehicle testing, diagnostics, or calibration support.
• Demonstrated experience working with vehicles, instrumentation, or test environments (e.g., garage, proving ground, HIL, dyno, or similar).
• Basic understanding of vehicle dynamics and chassis systems (braking, stability control, traction control, suspension, steering, or related).
• Comfort using PC-based tools for data logging, basic analysis (Excel, plotting tools), and software/calibration download utilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organization, particularly around configuration control, version tracking, and documentation.
• Ability to follow detailed test procedures and safety guidelines and to recognize when to stop and escalate issues.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional development environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work flexible hours when required by test schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering (or related discipline).
• Hands-on experience with chassis controls or vehicle dynamics testing, such as ABS/ESC/TCS, VDSE, ride/handling, or similar.
• Familiarity with GM calibration and software tools (e.g., CRETA/CalPortal, SPR/VeSCoM/JIRA, Cal Planner, CAN/Ethernet logging tools).
• Experience with HIL/SIL environments or simulation-based testing for vehicle dynamics or chassis controls.
• Prior involvement in winter testing or low-mu surface development work.
• Basic scripting or automation skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or similar) for data processing or test support.