Chassis & Suspension Validation Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary:A Chassis Subject Matter Expert (SME) with 10–15 years of automotive experience spanning passenger cars and commercial vehicles, specializing in suspension systems, HIL environments, and end-to-end validation. The ideal candidate has led chassis/suspension validation programs with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, is hands on with dSPACE/ETAS/NI HIL, and brings deep knowledge of vehicle dynamics, ride & handling, braking/ESC integration, and requirements-to-test traceability under ASPICE and US regulatory standards (FMVSS/SAE). You’ll define HIL strategies, build/maintain test benches, drive test automation, lead suspension validation on rigs and proving grounds, and serve as the senior technical interface for customers.

Responsibilities:

Domain Ownership — Suspension & Chassis

• Act as the primary SME for suspension systems (front/rear, passive/active/semi-active, air suspension), kinematics & compliance (K&C), bushings, dampers, and ride & handling.
• Provide system-level guidance across steering, braking/ESC, and chassis controls (ESP/ESC, ABS/EBS, AEB integration, active damping, rear-axle steering).
• Translate vehicle-level targets (comfort, stability, NVH, handling) into component/system requirements and DVP&Rs.

HIL Strategy, Development & V&V

• Architect, commission, and maintain HIL benches (dSPACE SCALEXIO/Autera/MicroAutoBox, ETAS LABCAR, NI PXI/VeriStand) for chassis controllers (ECU/VCU) and ADAS-chassis interactions.
• Develop plant models and rest-bus simulations (CarSim/TruckSim, Simulink/Stateflow; CAN/CAN FD/FlexRay/Ethernet; UDS diagnostics).
• Author test cases, test automation (Python/CAPL/NI TestStand), and fault injection for sensors/actuators/networks.
• Ensure full requirements traceability (DOORS/Jama) and manage defects (Jira/Polarion) through closure.

Suspension & Vehicle Dynamics Validation

• Lead bench, rig, and vehicle-level testing: 4 post rigs, damper dyno, K&C rigs, proving ground ride & handling; analyze data (Dewesoft, VBOX, wheel force transducers).
• Develop and execute DVP&R, test plans, and acceptance criteria aligned to FMVSS/SAE and OEM standards.
• Perform correlation/validation between MIL/SIL/HIL and vehicle test results; drive model fidelity improvements.

Systems Engineering, Compliance & Governance

• Operate within ASPICE and ISO 26262–aware workflows; ensure compliant work-products (requirements, test specs, traceability matrices, reviews).
• Prepare technical reports, DFMEA inputs, verification summaries, and release-readiness documentation.

Customer Engagement & Leadership

• Interface with OEM/Tier 1 senior engineers/architects—lead reviews, workshops, demos, and technical deep dives.
• Convert customer pain points into actionable roadmaps; provide effort estimates and delivery plans for validation workstreams.
• Mentor teams on chassis HIL, suspension validation, vehicle dynamics, and test automation best practices.

Requirements:

• B.S. in Mechanical/Automotive/Electrical/Electronics/Mechatronics (M.S. preferred).
• 10–15 years in automotive engineering with significant HIL + validation ownership and suspension domain depth.
• Demonstrated experience across passenger cars and commercial vehicles (e.g., multi‑axle, buses, articulated, HD trucks).
• Hands‑on proficiency with HIL platforms (dSPACE/ETAS/NI), rest‑bus simulation, UDS diagnostics, and test automation (Python/CAPL/TestStand).
• Strong command of vehicle dynamics & suspension (sprung/unsprung mass, damping, friction, load transfer, alignment, K&C).
• Proven track record delivering under ASPICE processes with requirements-traceable verification and validation.
• Familiarity with US regulations/standards (FMVSS 105/121/126/135 as applicable; SAE J‑standards).
• Experience working directly with OEM/Tier‑1 customers; excellent technical writing and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to rig labs and proving grounds (up to ~20%).

Tools & Platforms (Strongly Preferred)

• Modeling & Dynamics: MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow; CarSim/TruckSim; ADAMS/Simpack (plus).
• HIL & Automation: dSPACE (SCALEXIO, ControlDesk), ETAS (LABCAR, INCA), NI (PXI, VeriStand, TestStand, LabVIEW).
• Networks & Diagnostics: CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, Automotive Ethernet, UDS, XCP; Vector CANoe/CANape.
• Data & Instrumentation: Dewesoft, VBOX, Kistler WFT, damper dyno, 4‑post, K&C rigs.
• Lifecycle/ALM: DOORS/Jama/Polarion; Jira/Confluence; Git.

Compensation and Benefits:

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time KPIT employee, you are eligible for the following benefits:

• Geo Blue PPO and HSA plan.
• MetLife – Dental and Vision plan.
• Healthcare and Dependent care flexible spending account(FSA).
• 401k with employer match.
• Company-paid Basic Life and Long-term disability insurance.
• Voluntary benefits include Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft, and legal service.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Holidays.
• Employee discounts and perks.
• Gym benefit.

Required SkillsSupported Skills