Powertrain Engine Calibration Engineer

The Torque Security Calibration Engineer develops, tests, and validates vehicle-based torque security calibrations for spark-ignited engines and electrical powertrain systems. This role focuses on delivering world-class torque security performance while meeting functional safety, performance, fuel consumption, emissions, and diagnostic objectives. The engineer works cross-functionally with engine development, powertrain controls, and vehicle teams to implement robust calibration solutions and regularly communicates program status to the broader organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and validate torque security calibrations for spark-ignited engines and electrical powertrain systems to meet program objectives.
• Plan, generate, and verify feature calibrations in hot climate, cold climate, and high-altitude environments to ensure robust operation across real-world conditions.
• Manipulate and utilize large and complex sets of engine mapping data to analyze and solve complex system problems.
• Address issues related to functional safety, engine performance, fuel consumption, emissions, on-board diagnostics (OBD), and base engine calibration development.
• Collaborate closely with engine development teams to align torque security calibrations with base engine hardware and performance targets.
• Work with powertrain controls teams to integrate calibrations with control strategies and ensure seamless system behavior.
• Partner with vehicle teams to validate torque security calibrations at the vehicle level and ensure they meet drivability and customer experience goals.
• Generate clear and comprehensive reports to communicate calibration status, test results, and issues to the larger team and stakeholders.
• Participate in system validation and verification trips, including hot, cold, and high-altitude testing, and adjust calibrations based on test findings.
• Apply engine analysis and calibration tools to refine calibrations and support continuous improvement of torque security strategies.
• Use data acquisition tools to collect, process, and interpret test data to support calibration decisions and root-cause analysis.
• Stay informed about engine technologies and competitive products to help ensure calibrations remain best-in-class.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET-accredited or equivalent program.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in the development and calibration of gasoline spark-ignition engines.
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engines, including operation, performance, and control principles.
• Experience in powertrain development, including familiarity with powertrain components and systems.
• Hands-on experience with testing and validation of powertrain systems in an automotive environment.
• Data acquisition experience, including collecting and processing test data for analysis and calibration.
• Working knowledge of engine analysis and calibration tools used for mapping, optimization, and diagnostics.
• Understanding of emissions development and regulatory requirements as they relate to engine calibration.
• Familiarity with on-board diagnostics (OBD) concepts and their impact on calibration strategies.
• Ability to manipulate and interpret large and complex engine mapping data sets to solve system-level problems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve calibration-related issues.
• Effective communication skills to document results and present findings to cross-functional teams.

• Experience working in the automotive industry with a focus on powertrain systems.
• Exposure to both spark-ignited engines and electrical powertrain systems.
• Knowledge of competitive engine and powertrain products and technologies.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams involving engine development, powertrain controls, and vehicle integration.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 4–6 weeks per year for system validation and verification activities.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple calibration tasks and test activities in parallel.

This role operates primarily in an on-site automotive engineering environment focused on powertrain development and calibration. The engineer works on-site between 3 and 5 days per week at a powertrain facility that includes engine test cells, vehicle test areas, and calibration laboratories equipped with data acquisition systems and engine analysis tools. The position involves a mix of office-based analytical work and hands-on testing and validation activities. Travel is required approximately 4–6 weeks per year to support hot climate, cold climate, and high-altitude testing for system validation and verification. The work environment emphasizes collaboration with engine development, powertrain controls, and vehicle teams, and supports a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and thorough documentation.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/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 Chelsea,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $30