Altair Engineering

Transforming the Future with Convergence of Simulation and Data

Powertrain Engine Calibration Engineer - Intermediate

Job Summary:

Our client in Chelsea, MI is looking for a Powertrain Engine Calibration Engineer - Intermediate. This is a contract position.

What You Will Do:

Gasoline Engine Calibration Engineer.

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Gasoline Engine Calibration Engineer to develop, test, and validate engine calibration features that deliver best-in-class fuel economy, drivability, and emissions compliance. The engineer will take ownership of one or more assigned features and lead their development across all environmental conditions and program phases. This position involves collaboration with domestic and international engineering teams, integration with cross-functional vehicle programs, and direct contribution to technical execution.

We are looking for a self-driven calibration engineer with prior hands-on experience who can take ownership of assigned features with minimal ramp-up. The ideal candidate will be given direction and contacts, then take the initiative to connect with stakeholders, get into vehicles, assess calibration maturity, and begin execution independently. This is not a "data-in/data-out" role — success requires both technical depth and creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality, balanced calibrations.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Own the development and validation of assigned gasoline engine calibration features to meet emissions, fuel economy, and drivability targets across various markets.
• Act as the feature lead within the engine application team for assigned calibrations, ensuring successful integration and performance across program milestones.
• Take initiative to drive calibration feature development from early assessment through final validation — including coordinating with stakeholders, scheduling vehicle access, and proactively identifying gaps.
• Deliver robust calibrations for assigned features across development phases, including testing in hot, cold, and high-altitude environments.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets (dyno and vehicle), identify system-level issues, and propose calibration or hardware solutions.
• Collaborate with engine controls, hardware development, emissions, and vehicle integration teams to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Work closely with global teams to develop calibration strategies that meet international compliance and market needs.
• Blend technical precision with creative thinking to deliver calibration solutions that balance fuel economy, emissions, and drivability.
• Work both independently and collaboratively across departments to meet vehicle-level objectives and milestones.
• Actively seek help or escalate issues when needed, while maintaining ownership of the outcome.
• Present risks, development status, and technical recommendations to engineering leadership.
• Travel up to 4–6 weeks annually for system validation and launch support.

Basics:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or a closely related field).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in gasoline engine calibration with a proven track record of delivering production-ready calibrations.
• Prior experience performing hands-on engine calibration with minimal supervision; ready to contribute without needing foundational training.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute calibration tasks once direction is given — including setting up meetings, assessing vehicle state, and resolving open items.
• Strong technical knowledge of internal combustion engines, powertrain systems, and calibration methodologies.
• Experience with calibration tools (e.g., INCA, ATI Vision) and data analysis tools (e.g., MDA).
• Familiarity with emissions regulations (EPA, CARB, Euro) and OBD requirements.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership; able to operate independently, identify information gaps, and actively drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and deliver results under pressure.
• Highly motivated.
• Operate with little direction (understands program plans).
• Understands vehicle systems (ICE vs HEV vs BEV - at a high level).
• Experience with Matlab, even undergraduate work.
• Able to work when things are 'stressful'.
• Onsite position.
• Driving of a vehicle required.
• Travel: Min 4-6 weeks a year but sometimes more depending on where we are in the program. Locations of travel would be mostly in the US (Arizona, Denver, Nevada). There are international trips but those rarely happen.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 4+ years of industry experience in engine calibration or powertrain systems development.
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) and calibration optimization techniques.
• Proficient in Matlab/Simulink and simulation tools (e.g., GT-Power).
• Familiarity with calibration tools such as PowerCal, CRETA, CANalyzer, or CANoe.
• Experience working with international engineering teams and supporting global vehicle programs.
• Exposure to hybrid or electrified powertrains.

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business “First”
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts
• Free training on all Altair products

Why Work with Us:

Altair is a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the areas of data analytics, product development, and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world, while creating a more sustainable future. With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve our customer’s toughest challenges and deliver unparalleled service, helping the innovators innovate, drive better decisions, and turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Our vision is to transform customer decision making with data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping our customers integrate electronics and controls with mechanical design to expand product value, develop AI, simulation and data-driven digital twins to drive better decisions, and deliver advanced HPC and cloud solutions to support unlimited idea exploration. To learn more, please visit altair.com

Ready to go? #ONLYFORWARD

At our core we are explorers; adventures; pioneers. We are the brains behind some of the world’s most revolutionary innovations and are not only comfortable in new and unchartered waters, we dive headfirst. We are the original trailblazers that make the impossible possible, discovering new solutions to our customer’s toughest challenges.

Altair is an equal opportunity employer. Our backgrounds are diverse, and every member of our global team is critical to our success. Altair’s history demonstrations a belief that empowering each individual authentic voice reinforces a culture that thrives because of the uniqueness among our team.

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