Mechanical Test & Validation Engineer – Powertrain & Durability in at BERTRANDT US INC

Description

Bertrandt is a leading engineering and IT services provider supporting global automotive OEMs with innovative solutions. We are seeking a Mechanical Test & Validation Engineer – Powertrain & Durability to support powertrain development, calibration, durability testing, and field issue resolution for conventional and electrified vehicle programs.

In this role, you will coordinate vehicle preparation, durability testing, technical analysis, diagnostics, and reporting activities to support engine, transmission, emissions, OBD, and drivability performance. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, emissions laboratories, workshops, suppliers, and global development partners to ensure vehicle readiness, test quality, and successful validation of powertrain systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate preparation of powertrain durability vehicles, ensuring required software, calibrations, hardware, instrumentation, and configurations are installed prior to testing.
• Perform and coordinate vehicle readiness assessments, including diagnostic reviews, drivability evaluations, fault memory analysis, and functionality checks.
• Manage daily durability testing and mileage accumulation activities according to established test plans, schedules, and program requirements.
• Monitor vehicle usage, driver feedback, downtime, and test progress while ensuring adherence to approved testing procedures.
• Coordinate emissions laboratory activities including scheduling, vehicle preparation, testing support, and result review.
• Evaluate emissions, OBD, drivability, engine, transmission, and electrified powertrain performance and identify irregularities requiring investigation.
• Perform first-level diagnostic analysis using engineering tools, measurement data, workshop findings, and test results.
• Support structured root-cause investigations and coordinate corrective actions with calibration, diagnostics, and component engineering teams.
• Coordinate repairs, software updates, maintenance activities, and validation testing to return vehicles to service quickly and efficiently.
• Maintain detailed documentation of technical issues, analyses, countermeasures, and validation results.
• Prepare weekly status reports and stakeholder updates detailing test progress, downtime, open issues, risks, and next steps.
• Track key performance indicators including vehicle availability, test completion status, issue resolution, and schedule adherence.
• Participate in internal and global engineering meetings and effectively communicate technical findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to durability testing, vehicle preparation, issue management, and reporting processes.
• Promote safe vehicle operation, high-quality data collection, compliance with testing procedures, and efficient utilization of development vehicles.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in light-duty engine or powertrain development, including calibration, durability testing, emissions, OBD, combustion systems, or drivability.
• Experience working with engine control units (ECUs), with supplier-specific ECU experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of light-duty emissions regulations and OBD compliance requirements.
• Experience using powertrain development and analysis tools such as INCA and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic information, measurement data, vehicle fault reports, and test results.
• Experience performing structured root-cause analysis and validating technical countermeasures.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple vehicles, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create concise technical reports.
• Ability to work effectively within large cross-functional and global engineering organizations.

• Experience supporting durability fleets, mileage accumulation programs, proving-ground testing, or public-road vehicle development activities.
• Knowledge of vehicle architecture, CAN communication, ECU networks, diagnostics, and drivetrain systems.
• Experience using Monaco or comparable vehicle diagnostic and measurement tools.
• Experience coordinating activities with emissions laboratories, workshops, suppliers, test drivers, and external service providers.
• Familiarity with conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric powertrain technologies.
• Experience with KPI tracking, technical reporting, risk management, and process improvement initiatives.

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Ability and willingness to operate development vehicles on public roads, test trips, and proving grounds.
• Ability to travel approximately 10–25% within the United States.
• Willingness to complete Client Driver Safety Training (F2 equivalent) after hire.
• Ability to perform duties requiring frequent sitting, standing, reaching, computer use, presentations, measurements, and vehicle operation.

• Strong technical analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of powertrain systems, emissions, OBD, and drivability development.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and executing vehicle testing activities.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to technical documentation and reporting.
• Ownership mentality with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and effectiveness in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Join a global engineering and technology partner supporting innovative vehicle development programs. You'll have the opportunity to work directly on vehicle validation, launch readiness, and quality improvement initiatives while collaborating with industry-leading automotive teams.

EEO-Statement:

Bertrandt US is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. We consider all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.