Vehicle Controls Engineer

Company Overview

Kindred is a rapidly growing, venture backed manufacturer focused on unlocking the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric using our technology and scale.

We are marketing folks, technicians, software developers, mechanical engineers, designers, painters, and car lovers. We love a whiff of gasoline and we geek out about the torque provided by electric motors. Above all we believe the world is a better place with vintage cars out on the road.

We strive to create a meaningful workplace at Kindred, which means something different for each of our team members. For some, it’s getting these immortal vehicles on the road. For others it’s the portion of revenue we donate to our local community for every vehicle sold. For many at Kindred, it’s the inclusive work environment we’ve created.

Our cars create joyful experiences for our customers and immense pride for our team. If you can match our passion, values, and work ethic, we want you!

Position Summary

The Vehicle Controls Engineer will be responsible for the design, testing and implementation of different control systems used in electric vintage cars and trucks. The Vehicle Controls Engineer will be expected to interface with several external teams from mechanical, design, and electrical. This position will implement new features and support of existing vehicle feature sets on the Vehicle Controls Team.

The ideal candidate will have an automotive control system background in model based design, with experience from design architecture through to the supporting hardware and prototype vehicles. This is inclusive of but not limited to the following: powertrain, thermal, HMI, body control, state control, battery management.

Vehicle Controls Team Values

• One Team – You are a team player and can show up in a capacity to support others as well as yourself.
• Communication – You are dedicated to connecting with the team on a technical and human level.
• Trust and Respect - We are doing something new and innovative. Your level of openness to other’s ideas as well as your own creations are of paramount value.
• Engineering Discipline – Your attention to detail and commitment to driving design through to completion of project timelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Use a Model-Based-Design approach to develop control software for electric vehicle functions such as powertrain management, charge control, battery & thermal management systems, and vehicle-wide fault monitoring.
• Own controls project across the full development workflow, from initial requirements definition to software development, HIL and in-vehicle testing.
• Evaluate and select new hardware for EV platform, working across engineering teams to understand design-, production-, and supply chain- impact.
• Interface with various hardware components such as analog and digital sensors, CAN/LIN-based components, PWM-driven fans & pumps, and H-bridge drivers.
• Define vehicle bring-up and troubleshooting procedures for production line.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related major, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0-4 years of experience building, testing and implementing model based design vehicle features
• MATLAB/Simulink Test, Requirements and Projects experience designing vehicle controls for powertrain and/or thermal systems.
• Experience with Gitlab and repository management.
• Experience in design, implementing, and testing vehicle control systems.
• Experience developing and implementing controls using Vector CANape/CANoe/CANalyzer.
• V-Cycle: An understanding of the process it takes to implement systems from concept to creation.
• Vehicle Network Protocols: Thorough understanding of industry standard communication such as CAN and LIN networks.
• Strong EE fundamentals and hands on experience with basic electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, multimeter, etc.)
• Project Management – You show a dedication to organization and engineering discipline.
• ECU calibration and diagnosing procedures, including working with communication protocols such as XCP/CCP

Desired Skills and Experience

• Highly collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
• Experience developing features within vehicle powertrain systems and/or vehicle dynamics
• Strong ownership of a project from initial requirements definition to design verification and validation
• Automotive experience
• Experience with CAPL
• Although not necessary, your passion for cars in any capacity is always appreciated!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping. Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 75 pounds. Clean and well-organized unconditioned shop environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but at times requires ear plugs, use of eye protection, and/or occasional use of a respirator.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.