Digital Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Digital Vehicle Dynamics Engineer to support advanced vehicle programmes through virtual development, simulation, modelling and validation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and correlating vehicle dynamics models and using digital engineering methods to achieve full-vehicle performance targets across Ride, Handling and Steering (RHS).

You will work closely with Vehicle Dynamics Test, Vehicle Development, Chassis Engineering, NVH, Durability, Controls, ADAS and other cross-functional teams to assess vehicle performance virtually, identify potential issues and recommend engineering countermeasures before and during physical vehicle development.

The role will involve Multi-Body Simulation (MBS), vehicle dynamics modelling, offline simulation, virtual validation, model correlation and HIL/SIL integration, with opportunities to contribute to vehicle tuning and global digital engineering processes.

• Plan and execute digital vehicle dynamics activities for advanced vehicle programmes.
• Develop and maintain virtual development and simulation workplans.
• Define and support component and subsystem specifications to achieve full-vehicle performance targets.
• Develop, build, calibrate and correlate vehicle dynamics models against physical test data.
• Perform offline simulations to assess vehicle performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Evaluate and optimise Ride, Handling and Steering performance.
• Analyse simulation and test results and recommend engineering countermeasures.
• Support virtual validation and model-based development throughout the vehicle programme lifecycle.
• Perform Multi-Body Simulation of vehicle/chassis systems.
• Support HIL, SIL and Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulation and validation activities.
• Support vehicle tuning and correlation activities using simulation and test data.
• Represent Digital Vehicle Dynamics in technical discussions with Vehicle Development and interfacing engineering teams.
• Work closely with chassis, suspension, steering, braking, tyres, NVH, durability and vehicle test teams.
• Support technical investigations and root-cause analysis of vehicle dynamics issues.
• Ensure simulation and engineering deliverables are completed against programme milestones.
• Manage multiple engineering activities and prioritise work according to programme requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering tools, scripts and custom routines to automate simulation and data-analysis activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and global digital vehicle development processes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and contract virtual engineers where required.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Strong understanding of fundamental vehicle dynamics principles.
• Vehicle Ride, Handling and Steering (RHS).
• Vehicle stability and controllability.
• Lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics.
• Vertical dynamics and ride performance.
• Steering response and steering feel.
• Handling balance and transient response.
• Vehicle performance metrics and objective evaluation.
• Understanding of vehicle-level performance targets and attribute development.

Strong understanding of vehicle chassis systems, including:

• Suspension systems.
• Suspension kinematics and compliance.
• Tyres and tyre modelling.
• Springs and dampers.
• Anti-roll bars.
• Steering systems.
• Braking systems.
• Wheels and tyres.
• Electronic stability control systems.
• Traction control systems.
• Differential systems.
• AWD/4WD systems.
• Active and semi-active chassis systems.
• Air suspension and ride-height systems.
• Electrified vehicle chassis systems.

Hands-on experience with vehicle simulation and modelling tools such as:

• MSC Adams / Adams Car – Multi-Body Simulation.
• CarSim.
• CarMaker / IPG CarMaker.
• MATLAB.
• Simulink / Stateflow.
• Simscape.
• Excel and engineering data-analysis tools.
• Other vehicle dynamics or CAE simulation platforms.

Experience developing, modifying and correlating simulation models is highly desirable.

• Experience developing and running MBS models.
• Vehicle/chassis subsystem modelling.
• Suspension kinematics and compliance analysis.
• Tyre modelling and parameterisation.
• Model setup, simulation execution and post-processing.
• Model correlation against physical test data.
• Sensitivity analysis and parameter optimisation.
• Identification of simulation/model discrepancies and root causes.

Strong programming and automation capability using one or more of:

• MATLAB
• Simulink
• Stateflow
• Python
• Visual Basic / VBA
• C / C++ desirable.

Ability to develop custom routines, automate engineering workflows, process large datasets and perform simulation post-processing.

Experience with virtual validation and real-time simulation environments, including:

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
• Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)
• Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL)
• Model-in-the-Loop (MIL)
• Real-time vehicle simulation.
• HIL/SIL model integration.
• Virtual vehicle testing and validation.
• Model-based development.

Experience with platforms such as dSPACE, ETAS or NI is desirable.

• Processing and analysis of vehicle test data.
• Simulation-to-test correlation.
• Statistical and trend analysis.
• Signal processing and data visualisation.
• Root-cause analysis.
• Parameter identification and optimisation.
• Comparison of simulation results against objective vehicle measurements.
• Development of automated data-analysis workflows.

Knowledge of vehicle control systems is advantageous, including:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
• Traction Control (TCS).
• ABS.
• AWD torque distribution.
• Yaw control.
• Torque vectoring.
• Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD).
• Electronically locking differentials.
• Active suspension.
• Active dampers.
• Ride-height control.
• Chassis control systems.
• Vehicle motion control.

Experience in calibration or development of active vehicle dynamics systems would be highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R).
• Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
• Requirements management.
• Engineering change processes.
• Component and subsystem specifications.
• Vehicle programme milestones.
• Design validation and verification.
• Root-cause/problem-solving methodologies.

Experience working with engineering product data and CAD/PLM systems, particularly:

• Siemens NX
• Teamcenter
• Extraction and interpretation of component and vehicle data from CAD/PLM systems.

Stellantis specifically identifies NX and Teamcenter experience as desirable for this type of digital vehicle dynamics role.

Desirable Automotive Knowledge

Experience with one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV/PHEV).
• Conventional ICE vehicles.
• Electric powertrains and e-Axles.
• Vehicle motion control.
• ADAS/automated driving.
• Vehicle architecture and E/E systems.
• CAN/CAN FD and automotive communication networks.
• Vehicle diagnostics and data acquisition.
• Automotive calibration processes.
• Active chassis systems.
• Advanced driver assistance systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' professional experience in vehicle dynamics, chassis engineering, vehicle simulation or a closely related discipline.
• Practical experience with Multi-Body Simulation, preferably Adams/Adams Car.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and chassis systems.
• Experience with tyre models.
• Experience with vehicle Ride, Handling and Steering development.
• Experience with simulation tools such as MATLAB, CarSim, CarMaker or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams.

The current Stellantis role specifies a relevant engineering degree, at least five years' experience in vehicle dynamics or chassis design, and experience with Multi-Body Simulation, tyre models, RHS, chassis systems and tools including Adams Car, CarSim and MATLAB.