Mechanical Product Validation Engineer I – Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI)
About The Position
Inside the Role Product Validation Engineering’s Vehicle Thermodynamics & Integration (VTI) group is responsible for validating vehicle operation in areas such as thermal systems, environmental exposure, full vehicle performance, and powertrain integration. This entry-level role supports hands-on vehicle testing and data analysis to ensure current and future DTNA vehicles meet both legal validation and customer usage requirements. This position is well suited for an early-career engineer who wants to build deep experience in vehicle performance testing, seasonal test execution, and real-world validation environments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and 0–2 years of relevant engineering, co-op, or internship experience
- Strong interest in vehicle performance, thermodynamics, and hands-on testing
- Ability to work in outdoor, lab, and vehicle test environments
- Analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem solving
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Some travel required to support Summer Test and Winter Test activities
- An attached resume is required
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or project experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or powertrain
- Exposure to vehicle testing, instrumentation, or data acquisition
- Familiarity with test or analysis tools (e.g., CANape or similar)
- Experience working in team-based engineering environments
Responsibilities
- Support vehicle-level thermodynamics and performance testing, including cooling, aftertreatment systems, air systems, and environmental exposure
- Assist with planning and execution of Summer Test and Winter Test activities, including vehicle instrumentation, test setup, and daily test support
- Support testing in specialized facilities such as the Climatic Wind Tunnel and Cold Chamber
- Help set up, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Collect, process, and review vehicle test data; support root cause analysis of thermal or performance issues
- Work closely with Design Engineering, Powertrain, and other PVE teams to align testing with design intent
- Document test results and contribute to summaries, reports, and technical discussions
- Support continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and procedures
- Participate in a collaborative, hands-on test environment with on-vehicle work
Benefits
- annual bonus program
- 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
- starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
- 13+ calendar holidays
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- employee assistance program
- comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
- onsite fitness (at some locations)
- tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
- short-term and long-term disability plans
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
