ZF currently has an opening for a Controls Design Engineer in the Brake Engineering group of Division A. This position is responsible for developing algorithm and software designs for slip control functions as part of an integrated braking control module. Examples of features which are supported include Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Autonomous braking features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Avoidance, as well as other brake and engine control functions.
The engineer will work within a team comprised of controls and software specialists which produces subsystem releases. Releases are utilized by application program teams, and may vary in scope from maintenance updates to the introduction of new state-of-the-art functionality. Day-today responsibilities include supporting all phases of the algorithm and software development process including requirements elicitation, implementation, configuration management, and testing (SIL, HIL, vehicle).
Primary Responsibilities:
- Supporting all phases of the algorithm and software development process.
- Interface between algorithm, hardware, software, and vehicle application groups to address system and subsystem issues as they arise on specific customer programs
- Interface with customers including supporting vehicle development and demonstrations.
- Review requirements, maintain development plan, create/update design description documents, subsystem interface documents, calibration manuals, and test plans/reports. Conduct periodic design reviews and training.
- Algorithm development activities utilizing both simulation (SIL and HIL) and vehicle environments.
- Interface with controls algorithm teams overseas in support of globally common core designs. There are colleagues and test tracks in Germany, Sweden, Japan, China, and India. Travel to these overseas offices and test tracks is occasionally required (typically 4 to 8 weeks per year).
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum of bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- At least one year of automotive engineering experience (full time or internship) working in product development with a focus on vehicle braking systems with embedded controller design.
- Knowledge of vehicle and tire dynamics principles.
- Knowledge of brake pressure modulation hardware architectures and related control strategies.
- Knowledge of both classical and modern controls techniques and theory.
- Ability to read and write embedded c-code.
- Knowledge of simulation development tools such as Matlab / Simulink.
- Ability to work hands-on with vehicles and instrumentation.
- Capability and/or interest in driving vehicles in dynamic maneuvers. Experience with Formula SAE, Mini Baja, autocross, etc. is a plus.
- The ideal candidate will possess many of these attributes, and demonstrate a sincere interest in growing the remainder. For the current position we are especially interested in candidates with background or interest in vehicle dynamics, controls design, hydraulic valve actuation, motor control development or other mechatronics-related disciplines. We are looking for a highly motivated, flexible, team oriented individual that will adapt well in a fast paced, lean environment.