Prototype & Ride Development Engineer

MAT Holdings • Farmington Hills, MI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The position is responsible for the development, tuning, validation, and integration of passive damper systems to achieve ride, handling, durability, and customer performance objectives. Coordinates prototype activities through the technical center and supports product development from concept through launch.

Requirements

• IATF and other designated training.
• Experience in suspension systems, ride control, vehicle dynamics, and product development
• Experience with vehicle testing ,data acquisition, and performance analysis
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the automotive industry, preferably with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier.
• Hands-on experience with both disc coil valve and deflected disc valve suspension technologies.
• Strong understanding of shock absorber design, performance tuning, validation, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong automotive business acumen and experience operating within a Tier 1 supplier environment.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle ride and handling development, objective and subjective evaluations, and passive damper tuning activities.
• Support the design, specification, and integration of passive dampers into OEM vehicle platforms.
• Coordinate, review, prioritize, and track prototype requests through the Technical Center to support engineering, customer, and program timing requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, quality, and prototype build teams to resolve technical issues and support prototype builds.
• Develop and execute proving ground, laboratory, and public road validation plans.
• Analyze vehicle dynamics, ride, handling, and durability data to optimize damper valving and suspension performance.
• Support APQP, DFMEA, DV/PV testing, engineering changes, launch readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
• Career Advancement Program, training and development
• Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level