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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Testing Intern

💰 $28 - $45 / hour

EngineeringInternshipAutomotiveTest & Validation

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the future of transportation and eager to apply your engineering knowledge in a real-world setting? This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Vehicle Testing Intern to join our dynamic Vehicle Validation team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of product development, ensuring our vehicles meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. You will work alongside experienced engineers, contributing to a hands-on, fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts the final product. This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, gaining invaluable experience in cutting-edge automotive technology.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering Student Programs
  • University Automotive Competition Teams (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja SAE)
  • Automotive Technology Vocational Programs

Advancement To:

  • Vehicle Test Engineer
  • Systems Validation Engineer
  • Powertrain or Battery Test Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Integration Engineer
  • Design Release Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Instrument prototype vehicles with a variety of sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and specialized test equipment to capture critical performance metrics.
  • Execute complex, pre-defined test procedures on closed test tracks, proving grounds, and public roads to validate vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis, ADAS, and thermal systems.
  • Operate and monitor test vehicles under various and sometimes extreme environmental conditions, including thermal extremes and challenging terrains, to assess durability and performance.
  • Collect, process, and meticulously analyze large datasets from CAN logs, sensor outputs, and diagnostic tools to identify deviations, anomalies, and potential failure modes.
  • Author detailed, high-quality test reports and documentation, clearly communicating test procedures, results, findings, and recommendations to the wider engineering organization.
  • Perform root cause analysis on system-level failures and unexpected vehicle behaviors, collaborating with design and systems engineers to develop effective countermeasures.
  • Support the design and fabrication of custom test fixtures, brackets, and wiring harnesses required for unique instrumentation setups and test scenarios.
  • Flash, configure, and update vehicle software and firmware on test fleet vehicles, ensuring they are running the correct versions for planned validation activities.
    '- Conduct component and subsystem-level bench tests to isolate issues and validate performance before integration into the vehicle.
  • Drive and evaluate vehicle performance subjectively, providing qualitative feedback on attributes such as ride, handling, and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness).
  • Manage the logistics and daily serviceability of a dedicated group of test vehicles, including scheduling, basic maintenance, and ensuring vehicle readiness.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose complex issues with vehicle hardware, software, and integrated test instrumentation in a dynamic and often time-sensitive environment.
  • Develop and refine test plans and procedures to improve test efficiency, data fidelity, and overall coverage of vehicle system requirements.
  • Collaborate with simulation teams to correlate real-world test data with CAE model predictions, helping to refine and improve virtual testing methodologies.
  • Adhere to and champion all safety protocols for vehicle testing, including high-voltage systems (for EVs), dynamic driving maneuvers, and lab safety.
  • Utilize issue-tracking systems like JIRA to log, document, and track the status of identified bugs and performance issues from discovery to resolution.
  • Support the setup, calibration, and operation of chassis dynamometer tests for performance, emissions, and range evaluation.
  • Perform detailed vehicle inspections and teardowns post-test to physically investigate component wear, damage, or failure.
  • Assist in the procurement and inventory management of specialized test equipment, sensors, and consumable lab supplies.
  • Present test findings and project status updates to cross-functional teams, including senior engineers and program management.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to investigate emerging trends or customer-reported issues.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing feedback on data acquisition and analysis tools.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for future test campaigns.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering and validation teams.
  • Assist in the maintenance and calibration of sensitive data acquisition equipment and test lab instrumentation.
  • Participate in safety reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of vehicle testing safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Data Acquisition (DAQ): Hands-on experience with data acquisition hardware and software (e.g., Vector, NI, Dewesoft, Kvaser).
  • CAN/LIN Bus Analysis: Proficiency with CAN bus analysis tools such as Vector CANalyzer, CANape, PCAN-View, or similar.
  • Data Analysis & Scripting: Strong skills in data analysis using tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy), or DIAdem.
  • Vehicle Diagnostics: Familiarity with automotive diagnostic standards (OBD-II, UDS) and associated software tools.
  • Mechanical/Electrical Aptitude: Foundational knowledge of vehicle systems (powertrain, chassis, electrical architecture) and hands-on ability to use basic hand and power tools.
  • Instrumentation: Experience with sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges, GPS) and their practical application.
  • 3D CAD Software: Basic ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and CAD models (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX).

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A methodical and inquisitive approach to troubleshooting complex, multi-system problems and performing root cause analysis.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in executing test procedures, collecting data, and documenting findings.
  • Effective Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining technical concepts to a diverse audience.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities and test plans can change rapidly.
  • Proactive & Self-Motivated: A "can-do" attitude with the initiative to tackle problems independently and a strong desire to learn.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team setting, sharing knowledge and responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Actively pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Actively pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) degree or have a declared concentration in Automotive Systems, Robotics, or Mechatronics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years of relevant hands-on project or previous internship experience.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience with a university automotive competition team (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Eco-Marathon).
  • A valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
  • Personal projects involving automotive repair, modification, or electronics (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino).
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