Junior Brake/Suspension Engineer

Altentechnologyusa · Chelsea, Michigan, United States · Engineering

Posted 2026-09-06

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Job Summary

The engineer will support vehicle brake and suspension development through hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and tuning. You will drive vehicles to evaluate ride and handling, identify issues, and work with the engineering team to improve vehicle behavior. The role is especially suited to a recent graduate who has gained practical experience through SAE Baja, Formula SAE, racing teams, autocross, or similar hands-on automotive projects.

Key Responsibilities

Drive test vehicles to evaluate ride comfort, handling, braking performance, and overall vehicle behavior.

Identify, document, and help troubleshoot suspension and brake-related issues during vehicle testing.

Work with senior engineers to understand vehicle dynamics and recommend improvements.

Support ride and handling tuning to help achieve smooth, predictable, and well-balanced vehicle performance.

Perform hands-on work such as changing brake pads, adjusting suspension components, and making small mechanical changes to improve vehicle performance.

Assist with brake and suspension tuning, including evaluating the effects of component changes on vehicle behavior.

Participate in vehicle testing, data collection, and test-result analysis.

Help prepare vehicles for testing and ensure components are installed and functioning properly.

Collaborate with engineering and test teams to investigate issues and implement improvements.

Maintain accurate test records and communicate findings clearly to the team.

Follow all vehicle testing, workshop, and safety procedures.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Strong interest in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, and hands-on vehicle development.

Willingness to drive test vehicles and work directly on mechanical components.

Basic understanding of brake systems, suspension systems, and vehicle dynamics.

Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand how component changes affect vehicle behavior.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company and project driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Automotive industry experience preferred, or experience in a similar technical or motorsports environment.

Experience with SAE Baja, Formula SAE, or other collegiate automotive racing teams.

Participation in autocross, road racing, off-road racing, or other vehicle-related racing activities.

Hands-on experience with brake pad changes, suspension adjustments, vehicle maintenance, or tuning.

Experience with vehicle testing, data collection, or basic vehicle dynamics analysis.

Passion for cars, driving, and understanding how small mechanical changes affect vehicle performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who is passionate about cars, enjoys driving, and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. The ideal candidate may be a recent engineering graduate who has worked on a college racing team, participated in SAE Baja or Formula SAE, or gained practical experience through personal vehicle projects or motorsports.

Examples of relevant backgrounds include:

SAE Baja / Formula SAE team member

Suspension or brake subsystem experience

Collegiate racing team or motorsports project

Autocross or road racing enthusiast

Hands-on automotive repair or tuning experience

Mechanical engineering graduate with strong automotive interest

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