Senior Automotive Performance Engineer - Electric Vehicle Technology

Our client, a pioneering force in the automotive industry focused on next-generation electric vehicles, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automotive Performance Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of cutting-edge EV powertrains and vehicle dynamics. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance, focusing on areas such as acceleration, handling, braking, and overall driving experience. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of EV systems, high-performance vehicle dynamics, and advanced simulation techniques. Responsibilities include developing performance targets, conducting comprehensive data acquisition and analysis from vehicle testing, creating and validating vehicle dynamics simulation models, and collaborating with hardware and software engineering teams to implement performance improvements. You will also work on optimizing battery management systems for performance, thermal management, and regenerative braking strategies. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a passion for innovation in the EV space, and the ability to work effectively in a distributed, remote-first environment. You will be expected to stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive technology and competitor benchmarking. The successful candidate will be a critical thinker, capable of translating complex engineering concepts into tangible performance enhancements for our vehicles, driving the future of sustainable and exhilarating automotive experiences. Experience with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) integration related to performance tuning is also highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Define, develop, and validate performance metrics for electric vehicle powertrains and chassis systems. Conduct rigorous vehicle testing, data acquisition, and analysis to identify performance opportunities and issues. Develop and utilize advanced vehicle dynamics simulation models to predict and optimize performance characteristics. Collaborate closely with powertrain, battery, and software teams to integrate performance enhancements. Design and implement strategies for optimizing acceleration, braking, handling, and ride comfort. Troubleshoot and resolve complex vehicle performance issues. Benchmark vehicle performance against competitors and industry standards. Document and present findings, recommendations, and results to cross-functional teams and leadership. Stay current with emerging EV technologies, simulation tools, and testing methodologies. Contribute to the overall design and architecture of future EV platforms with a focus on performance.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in automotive engineering, with a specialization in vehicle dynamics and performance. Deep understanding of electric vehicle systems (powertrain, battery, power electronics). Proficiency in vehicle dynamics simulation software (e.g., CarSim, Adams, MATLAB/Simulink). Extensive experience with data acquisition systems and analysis tools (e.g., CANape, Dewesoft). Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in remote teams. Familiarity with testing methodologies and safety protocols for high-performance vehicles. Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for data analysis is a plus. Passion for electric vehicles and automotive innovation.