Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

The Test & Development Engineer II is a mid-level engineer who independently delivers small projects, leads medium-sized projects with limited guidance, and supports larger or more complex programs. The role works directly with internal and external customers; coordinates Engineer I employees, interns, and laboratory technicians; develops departmental technical competencies; and supports research, product validation, and low-rate production verification.

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Independently scope, plan, execute, and report on small Test & Development projects; lead medium-sized projects with limited guidance and support large, complex programs under the direction of an Engineer III, Team Lead, or program technical leadership.
• Translate customer and program requirements into test objectives, acceptance criteria, test procedures, instrumentation plans, resource estimates, schedules, risks, and deliverables.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned work, communicating status, decisions, risks, and results to internal and external customers.
• Coordinate Engineer I employees, interns, and laboratory technicians through task prioritization, technical guidance, coaching, review, and constructive feedback.
• Select, configure, integrate, calibrate, and troubleshoot data acquisition systems and instrumentation for acceleration, pressure, temperature, strain, force, torque, displacement, flow, and vehicle-network measurements while ensuring signal quality and data integrity.
• Develop repeatable analysis workflows using DEWESoft, FlexPro, MATLAB, Python, Microsoft Excel, or other approved tools while verifying calibration status, channel quality, repeatability, measurement uncertainty, and overall test validity.
• Design test fixtures, instrumentation and data acquisition integration kits using CAD/CAE tools and applicable manufacturing-release practices.
• Develop or modify test controls and automation using Beckhoff PLC hardware, MATLAB/Simulink, MotoHawk, Delta motion, NI LabVIEW, or similar systems.
• Execute research, development, and production-validation programs using controlled procedures, requirements traceability, configuration and change control, repeatability and reproducibility, deviation or nonconformance documentation, and auditable test records.
• Analyze results, identify root causes, develop sound conclusions, and prepare clear reports and presentations with limited review.
• Own or co-own departmental technical competencies, procedures, templates, equipment platforms, or capability improvements.
• Support proposal development through technical scoping, labor and hardware estimates, and customer discussions for new or follow‑on work.
• Lead work safely through test readiness reviews, risk mitigation, stop‑work decisions, and compliance with laboratory and field-testing requirements.

• BS or MS in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Automotive, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline. Equivalent combinations of engineering education and directly relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Typically, 3-6 years of relevant engineering experience with demonstrated ownership of test, validation, product-development, or production-verification work.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data acquisition, instrumentation, data analysis, technical reporting, and project execution; proficiency in every listed platform is not required.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, meet technical, schedule, and customer commitments, and mentor less experienced interns and technicians.

• Hands‑on experience with DEWESoft and one or more additional data acquisition systems, such as IPETRONIK, Pi, MoTeC, Vector, Somat, or National Instruments.
• Strong FlexPro experience and working knowledge of MATLAB, DIAdem, nCode, Python, database tools, or advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Experience designing strain‑gage installations, calibration methods, and custom force or torque transducers.
• Experience with PLC systems and related controls or automation platforms, including MATLAB/Simulink, Beckhoff, MotoHawk, Delta Motion, or NI LabVIEW.
• Experience with collaboration, documentation, and work‑management platforms including Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 applications, SharePoint, and Jira/Confluence.
• Experience with production validation, controlled test procedures, requirements traceability, configuration control, test‑method validation, or nonconformance resolution.
• Working knowledge of vehicle dynamics, vehicle systems, and basic test‑driving maneuvers for data acquisition.
• Skilled‑trades experience in fabrication, machining, MIG/TIG welding, assembly, or additive manufacturing.
• Experience in an ISO 9001 or similar quality environment.
• Vehicle logistics competency, including trucks, trailers, towing, and vehicle recovery.

• Work is primarily performed on‑site in a professional office environment. Limited remote work arrangements may be available when consistent with job responsibilities, program execution, and business needs.
• Work is performed in office, shop, and laboratory environments and requires safe, disciplined work around vehicles, machinery, electrical and hydraulic systems, and test equipment using appropriate PPE. PPE will be provided.
• Field, proving‑ground, track, wind‑tunnel, climatic‑chamber, customer‑site, or manufacturing‑site testing may involve extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noise, chemicals, and other industrial conditions.
• Travel is required based on project needs and may include frequent domestic travel and occasional extended or international assignments.

• Requires occasional to frequent moderate physical activity and the ability to safely perform hands‑on work using common hand tools, test equipment, and fixtures.

• Typical work week is approximately 40-45 hours.
• Working hours are flexible based on program needs, with a typical weekday start near 8:00 a.m.
• The employee must be able to accommodate longer days, evenings, weekends, or off‑site testing trips during peak project periods. Additional time for travelling during off‑site testing activities is expected.

• Demonstrate teamwork, integrity, sound judgment, attention to detail, reliability, pride in workmanship, and a customer‑focused, service‑oriented mindset in all interactions.
• Comply with company safety, quality, security, data‑management, and business‑process requirements.
• This position may require access to export‑controlled information (ITAR/EAR), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), or other sensitive information. Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable U.S. export‑control requirements and, when required, obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Some assignments require a valid driver license and the ability to obtain customer‑site, proving‑ground, state logistics, commercial/chauffeur, or military vehicle operator credentials.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or requirements and may be modified based on business needs.

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people‑first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.