Prototype Tester Jobs in Novi, MI (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced Mechatronics Engineer - Chassis Systems to join our Advanced Engineering team in Troy, MI. 

This role leads the front end of innovation for advanced mechatronic and sensing technologies across steering, braking, and axle systems within the Global Advanced Engineering & Innovation Group. The focus is on shaping ideas into viable concepts, defining system level architectures, and driving early stage development through structured requirements, prototyping, and testing. 

The engineer in this role transforms product and market needs into clear, traceable technical requirements, working closely with the PLM organization and using Polarion to manage system definition and integration. They guide the technical direction of design solutions while collaborating with the Software, Controls, and Electronics teams to execute detailed development. 

Success in this position comes from strong systems thinking, the ability to conceptualize and evaluate new technologies, and the leadership to coordinate cross functional teams toward robust, manufacturable solutions aligned with Cummins' long term product strategy. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:  

Concept Design, Development & System Architecture:  

• Collaborate in the ideation and conceptualization of new sensing and mechatronic solutions for drivetrain, braking, and steering systems. 
• Perform analytical assessment of leading concept(s)   
• Lead concept generation including design and early prototype creation 
• Work with technical advisors to seek alignment on system level architectures, sensing strategies, and hardware integration concepts. 
• Evaluate feasibility, risks, and tradeoffs for new technologies and concepts. 

Requirements Engineering & Structured Development 

• Translate product/market requirements into clear, actionable technical requirements. 
• Use Polarion to manage requirements, traceability, and system documentation. 
• Collaborate with PLM to ensure proper flowdown of requirements to subsystem and component teams. 

Cross Functional Integration 

• Partner with Software Controls & Electronics team within CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) to ensure system level alignment and proper interface definition. 
• Provide hardware and sensing details to support software feature development and system behavior modeling. 
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust integration. 

Prototyping, Testing & Validation 

• Define prototype needs and lead early stage build/test activities. 
• Conduct bench, dyno, and vehicle level testing to evaluate sensing concepts and system performance. 
• Troubleshoot integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and system domains. 

Supplier & Technology Engagement 

• Work with suppliers to evaluate sensing technologies, hardware capabilities, and integration requirements. 
• Support supplier selection and technical reviews for sensors, ECUs, and mechatronic components. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Drive cross functional alignment on new technology initiatives. 
• Mentor junior engineers in systems thinking, requirements development, and mechatronic integration. 
• Support long-term product strategy by identifying emerging sensing and mechatronic opportunities. 

• Experience supporting ISO 26262 functional safety activities.
• Background in commercial vehicle systems (heavy/medium duty trucks, specialty, or defense).
• Familiarity with electronics and software development processes (without being the developer).
• Experience with Adams orMotionViewApplications preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in mechatronics, sensing systems, or system level engineering roles.
• Strong background in sensing technologies, hardware integration, and vehicle level system behavior.
• Experience withdrivetrain,brakingsystems, and/or electric power steering (EPS).
• Proficiency in structured requirements management tools (Polarion, DOORS, Jama, etc.).
• Ability to analyze large datasets, extract insights, identify trends, and draw engineering conclusions to guide concept development and system decisions.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and data driven troubleshooting.
• Strong systems thinking mindset with the ability to coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Deep Technical Expertise:A solid engineering foundation (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Systems) with extensive experience in design, mechatronics, sensing systems, drivetrain/braking/EPS systems, and vehicle level system behavior.
• Advanced Analytical & Modeling Skills:Experience, Familiarity with HIL testing,Trucksimsoftware, Adams orMotionViewSoftware applications
• Systems Thinking & Cross Functional Integration:Strong capability to manage requirements, understand CAN based communication, and collaborate effectively across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to drive cohesive system solutions.
• Clear Communication & Organizational Strength:Proficiency with structured requirements tools (Polarion, DOORS, Jama) and the communication, documentation, and coordination skills needed to align stakeholders and guide system level decisions

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

• College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringor appropriate STEM field is required.
• Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required forselectroles.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.