Vehicle Dynamics And Chassis Control Tech

This role focuses on precision vehicle testing, instrumentation, and data collection to support vehicle dynamics and chassis control development. You will install and troubleshoot test instrumentation, perform extensive on-road and track driving in a wide range of vehicles, and deliver accurate, timely test data that supports regulatory and internal engineering requirements. The position is highly driving- and weather-dependent, with a primary 1st shift schedule and flexibility required to adjust start times based on test conditions.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Control Lab to ensure first-time quality and on-time delivery of test data across multiple test areas.
• Plan, build, install, test, and tear down instrumentation for various vehicle tests requested by engineering teams.
• Perform vehicle benchmark, validation, and developmental track testing on a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, performance vehicles, and specialty vehicles.
• Drive different vehicles daily, including advanced and defense-related vehicles, and execute test procedures with high precision in throttle, braking, and vehicle control.
• Conduct tests on different surfaces and conditions such as wet roads, dry roads, gravel, snow, and ice, adjusting schedules as needed based on weather and surface conditions.
• Evaluate test results and produce high-quality test data in accordance with Vehicle Technical Specifications (VTS) and Federal Regulatory requirements, following documented GMW and NHTSA procedures.
• Investigate mechanical and electrical operational issues on vehicles, components, and test properties during testing.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and computer/software issues with test equipment, data acquisition systems, and vehicles.
• Process and review data in real time, interpret what the data indicates during test runs, and identify anomalies or issues.
• Coordinate and prioritize multiple test assignments while working with various engineering groups and organizations throughout the vehicle development process.
• Support winter testing at offsite facilities, including the Kincheloe test facility (December through March) and other local offsite test locations for day trips.
• Perform mechanical assembly and disassembly operations, including overhead and under-dash work, on test vehicles for instrumentation and component changes.
• Move and position test equipment and portable tools in the shop as required, including heavier items using appropriate equipment.
• Operate vehicle movers, walkies, or fork trucks to position vehicles and equipment safely within the facility.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices in the lab and garage areas and follow safe work practices at all times.
• Ensure confidentiality of all customer and test data and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement ideas for test processes, equipment usage, and lab operations.
• Communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to clarify test requirements, report issues, and share findings.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a fast-paced team environment.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain Level 3 Driver certification for limit handling and advanced driving.
• Minimum of a high school diploma.
• At least 5–7 years of hands-on experience working on vehicles; this is not an entry-level position.
• Strong automotive mechanical background with the ability to work on cars confidently.
• Experience with instrumentation installation, troubleshooting, and repair on vehicles or test systems.
• 2–5 years of electrical and/or mechanical hands-on experience in an automotive or closely related environment.
• Excellent mechanical assembly and disassembly skills, including overhead and under-dash operations.
• Experience using hand tools and air tools for vehicle and instrumentation work.
• Data acquisition experience, including data review and troubleshooting of test data and systems.
• Ability to process data during testing and understand what the data indicates about vehicle behavior and performance.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Capability to repeatedly perform activities involving bending, twisting, pulling, and lifting vehicle components up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to move test equipment and portable tools weighing approximately 70–200 pounds around the shop using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods while performing build and test tasks.
• Comfort and skill in precision driving, including fine throttle and braking control and a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics.
• Ability to troubleshoot automotive electrical systems and mechanical issues during testing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Motivation to complete work efficiently and accurately in a dynamic, sometimes hectic garage environment.
• Flexibility with work schedule to accommodate weather-dependent testing and varying start times.

• Two-year associate degree in automotive technology or equivalent training is strongly preferred.
• ASE Master Mechanic certification with multiple years of dealership or equivalent experience is considered an equivalent background to the associate degree.
• Automotive electrical diagnosis and repair experience.
• Experience working with vehicle testing, proving grounds, or track testing environments.
• Previous exposure to vehicle dynamics, chassis control systems, or related test activities.
• Ability to learn quickly and share knowledge with co-workers in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of customer and test data.
• Experience contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in a lab, shop, or test environment.

This role is based at a proving ground and lab environment that supports vehicle dynamics and chassis control testing, including a Noise & Vibration Lab and associated garages and test tracks. The position primarily operates on a 1st shift schedule (approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), but start and end times may shift depending on weather and test conditions, especially for wet, dry, gravel, snow, and ice testing. The work is highly driving- and weather-dependent, and the schedule becomes more predictable as you gain experience with the test programs. You will drive a wide variety of vehicles, including trucks, performance vehicles, and specialized vehicles, often changing vehicles daily. The environment combines shop work, track driving, and on-road testing, including winter testing at an offsite facility from December through March and occasional day trips to other local offsite locations. The role involves frequent physical activity such as standing for long periods, bending, twisting, working overhead and under the dash, and lifting components up to 50 pounds. You will regularly move test equipment and tools around the shop, sometimes using vehicle movers, walkies, or fork trucks. The lab emphasizes safe work practices, organized workspaces, and proper handling of test and customer data. You will use computer systems extensively within the vehicle and in the lab to configure instrumentation, run data acquisition systems, and review and interpret test data in real time. The culture encourages collaboration with engineers and technicians, adaptability to changing priorities, and continuous improvement of processes and tools in a fast-paced, hands-on testing environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Milford, MI.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Milford,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.