Automotive Project Engineer, Durability

Company Description

Shaping the Future of Automotive Engineering

Applus+ IDIADA is a global leader in automotive engineering, offering a dynamic and rewarding career opportunity for professionals passionate about shaping the future of mobility. As a TOP Employer certified company with over 3400 professionals from more than 20 countries, we provide a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth with colleagues from over 50 nationalities contributing to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable vehicles.

Why join us?

Enjoy a highly flexible hybrid work model in a company that takes care of the employees’ wellbeing, offering work-life balance benefits such as subsidized canteen, free language courses, transport and coaching services.

Join a company that has a deep commitment to sustainability and push yourself to reach your full potential in a dynamic and challenging setting that values innovation and expertise.

Job Description

We're looking for a highly analytical and results-driven Durability Engineer to join our Complete Vehicle Durability team. In this role, you will lead the design, planning, and execution of comprehensive durability testing programs for conventional and electrified vehicles, ensuring robust and reliable product performance. You will play a key role in delivering durability validation activities, working closely with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones while addressing the challenges associated with electrified powertrains, vehicle management systems, and advanced multi-material vehicle architectures.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, planning, and execution of complete vehicle durability validation programs in line with customer requirements and automotive standards

Define test strategies, load cases, and validation plans based on vehicle usage profiles and development targets

Oversee and conduct durability testing activities in laboratory and field environments, ensuring high-quality data acquisition and traceability

Analyze and interpret durability test data to identify failure modes, degradation mechanisms, and improvement opportunities

Prepare and present detailed technical reports, including clear recommendations for design improvements and validation status

Drive durability validation of electrified vehicle architectures, including battery-integrated structures, lightweight and multi-material body designs, and evolving load paths linked to new vehicle layouts

Evaluate the impact of electric powertrain systems, thermal behavior, and mass distribution on vehicle durability performance

Analyze interactions between vehicle management systems (e.g., BMS, energy and powertrain control strategies) and mechanical durability, including interpretation of vehicle network data (e.g., CAN signals)

Support correlation between physical testing and simulations, contributing to model validation and durability prediction accuracy

Collaborate with design, CAE, and system engineering teams to resolve durability issues and influence product development decisions

Lead root cause investigations for durability-related failures and define corrective actions

Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge development within the team

Contribute to the continuous improvement of durability methodologies, tools, and testing procedures

Manage test planning, resources, and project timelines to ensure efficient and high-quality project delivery

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field

5–7 years of experience in automotive durability, testing, or validation engineering

Strong knowledge of durability principles, including fatigue, structural mechanics, and failure analysis

Proven experience in defining and executing durability test programs at component, system, or vehicle level

Advanced data analysis capabilities and experience with engineering tools (e.g., Diadem, Python, or equivalent)

Experience working with vehicle instrumentation and data acquisition systems

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and decision-making

Effective communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional, international teams

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with electrified vehicles (BEV, HEV, PHEV) and associated structural and system-level challenges

Knowledge of vehicle management systems, including BMS, control systems, and vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN)

Experience with correlation and durability simulation methodologies

Familiarity with lightweight design, multi-material structures, and battery enclosure validation

Understanding of automotive development processes (e.g., DVP, validation plans, quality gates)

Experience in proving ground testing and real-world load data analysis

Leadership or mentoring experience within engineering teams

Knowledge of automotive quality assurance processes

Project coordination or technical support experience

Fluent in English and other languages as Chinese will be valuable.

Additional Information

WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Here's your roadmap:

1st: Submit your application and complete our screening questions.

2nd: Quick chat with HR.

3rd: Interview with the hiring team and complete English and attitudinal assessments.

4th: Receive your offer and begin your onboarding journey.

Let's start this adventure together!

Applus IDIADA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We don’t put limits on you, so don’t put limits on yourself either. There is a place for everyone.