Human Resources

Job Description Summary

As a Vehicle Test Engineer specializing in Electric Vehicle (EV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) integration, you will play a lead role in testing the interoperability, interaction, and performance between EVs and charging infrastructure. Your primary responsibility will be to design, execute, analyze, and report comprehensive test programs aimed at validating the compatibility, functionality, and safety of EV-EVSE integration solutions. You will work and collaborate with cross-functional teams to conduct testing.
Pending a candidate's experience level, participate in competitive technical research grant proposals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

1. Work independently and collaboratively on project execution from concept to completion.
2. Customer Experience Testing: Conduct and report on usability testing of EV-EVSE integration solutions, soliciting feedback from end-users and stakeholders
3. Work collaboratively with other internal team members and external partners:
   a. Work with SVSC suppliers and vehicle OEMs in setup, planning, andconducting testing.
   b. Collaborate in cross-functional teams, including design development test engineers, and technicians to address issues, and implement solutions.
   c. Supervise technician(s).
4. Other Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
   a. Develop detailed test plans and protocols to evaluate the integration of Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, covering various charging scenarios, protocols, and standards.
   b. Instrumentation and setup of test vehicles including CAN data acquisition and auxiliary sensors.
   c. Conduct rigorous testing activities, including compatibility testing, interoperability testing, performance testing, and safety testing, to validate EV-EVSE integration solutions under real-world conditions.
   d. Develop automated test protocols and procedures.
   e. Collect, analyze, and interpret test data using advanced measurement tools and techniques, assessing system behavior, performance metrics, and adherence to specifications.
   f. Interpret and analyze test data to identify trends and anomalies in vehicle performance.
   g. Generate comprehensive reports summarizing test findings and recommendations for improvement.
   h. Develop automated test analysis programs checking against standards and other relevant stakeholder requirements.
   i. Fault Identification and Resolution: Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve integration issues encountered during testing, collaborating with internal and external teams/engineers to diagnose root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify effectiveness through validation testing.
   j. Maintain test equipment and facilities to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety in testing procedures.
   k. Document test procedures, results, and findings in detailed reports for internal and external review.
   I. Manage data collected in electronic formats to networked drives and cloud storage.
   m. Stay current with industry standards, regulations, and advancements in automotive technology to inform testing practices and procedures.
   n. Train and oversee technicians.
   o. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including management and external partners to coordinate testing activities and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
   p. Continuously seek opportunities to optimize testing processes, reduce costs/timing, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of vehicle testing and validation efforts.
   q. Author and co-author technical articles for peer-reviewed and non-peer­ reviewed publications.
   r. Estimation of project efforts and costs.
   s. Management of physical resources.
5. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives. 
6. Apply safety related related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• 3 years of experience working in the field of automotive engineering, testing, or a related professional position

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Additional education, skills, and experience beyond the minimum required are valued in the candidate. Additional education and experience can take many forms, some examples may include:

1. Education:
   a. Certification in related technologies/standards.
   b. Advanced Degrees in related subjects (e.g, MS EE),
   c. Verifiable professional development training in a directly applicable topic
2.  Experience:
   a. Understanding of EV charging infrastructure, including charging protocols (e.g., CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla Supercharger), communication standards (e.g., ISO 15118), and grid interactions.
   b. Additional years of experience beyond the minimum required.
   c. Synergistic professional experience (e.g. development and design engineering)
   d. Authoring of peer-reviewed publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and convey technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Maintain highly organized physical and virtual work areas.
• Technical report generation.
• Excellent oral communication and written communication
• Interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Vector CANalyzer/CANoe toolchains
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., SAE J1772, IEC 61851, UL 2202).
• Ability to oversee numerous tasks and projects concurrently, while also effectively allocating resources and pinpointing and resolving project risks
• Apply safety related related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• High Voltage Harnessing & Safety Protocols
• Knowledge of Cyber Security standards related to vehicle and EVSE systems.
• Programming knowledge of scripted analysis tools such as MATLAB and Python for automated test reporting.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk; sit, talk, or hear; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock, chemical hazards, equipment operating at high temperatures and pressures, and moving mechanical parts.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1.0

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Rate/Salary

Negotiable Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Advanced Power Systems Research Center

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding