Technical Lead- Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer (MBD)

Applus+ IDIADA is a global partner to the automotive industry with over 30 years’ experience supporting our clients in product development activities by providing design, engineering, testing, and homologation services. IDIADA’s success in product development is built on a unique blend of highly experienced engineers, state-of-the-art test and development facilities and the constant drive towards innovation. The company has over 2,850 professionals and an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 22 countries, ensuring our clients receive customized, added-value solutions. IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a professional career in one of the leading-edge automotive engineering companies. Are you ready to challenge yourself, enhance your technical skills, working in a thriving environment and alongside world-leading experts? Then, apply for one of our job vacancies. Engineering services: Comprehensive design, engineering, and validation capabilities for complete vehicle development projects: CAD, CAE and testing of all major vehicle functionalities. Proving grounds: The most comprehensive proving grounds in Europe and Asia, located in Spain and China. Both test tracks offer excellent customer support and facilities that provide the highest standards of safety and confidentiality. Homologation services in accordance with all European EC and ECE Regulations. We are also accredited for Australia, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and give consultancy to other countries and regions such as South America (including Brazil), China, Middle East, Gulf Countries, ASEAN, USA and Canada, among others.

We are seeking an experienced Vehicle Dynamics Analyst to join our chassis engineering team. In this role, you will lead multibody dynamics simulations to finalise suspension hard points, define component-level design verification plans (DVPs), and ensure our vehicles meet challenging ride, handling, and durability targets. You will work closely with cross-functional teams across the full product development cycle - from concept through to production sign-off.

Key Responsibilities

Simulation & Analysis

• Perform multibody dynamics simulations of suspension and steering systems using ADAMS or equivalent MBD software to finalise hard-point layouts against dynamic performance targets.
• Calculate forces and moments acting on suspension components during a wide range of vehicle manoeuvres; use results to define component-level DVPs.
• Execute virtual replication of physical durability tests (e.g. 3-post, 4-post, 6-post rig, single-corner rig, single-actuator, bump roller) within ADAMS to accelerate development cycles.

Suspension & Steering Systems

• Evaluate suspension aggregates, including springs, dampers, bushings, and anti-roll bars, and recommend design optimisations based on simulation and test correlation.
• Correlate on-road ride and handling behaviour with simulation predictions; implement model updates to improve fidelity and predictive accuracy.
• Support the design and validation of steering systems, assessing steering feel, returnability, and understeer/oversteer characteristics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a technical liaison between vehicle dynamics, chassis design, and testing teams to ensure consistent implementation of performance targets throughout the development programme.
• Provide timely, data-driven responses to internal and external customer feedback on ride, handling, and NVH concerns.
• Support physical testing activities on proving grounds and test rigs; interpret results and close loop with simulation teams.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 5-7 years of hands-on experience in vehicle dynamics, chassis engineering, or NVH within an OEM or Tier-1 supplier environment.
• Proficiency in ADAMS/Car or equivalent MBD simulation tools (e.g. CarSim, VI-Grade).
• Strong understanding of suspension kinematics and compliance (K&C), vehicle dynamics theory, and chassis system integration.
• Experience defining and executing DVPs at component and system levels.

Preferred

• Experience with durability rig simulation (3/4/6-post, single-corner rig) and correlation with physical test data.
• Familiarity with metrology tools and the ability to perform or review basic physical measurements on components.
• Exposure to FEA tools (e.g. NASTRAN, ABAQUS) for loads hand-off to structural teams.
• Knowledge of AUTOSAR or model-based suspension control systems is a plus.
• Experience working under APQP, PPAP, or similar automotive product development frameworks.

Simulation Tools

ADAMS/Car, CarSim, VI-Grade

NASTRAN / ABAQUS (desirable)

MATLAB / Simulink

Python / scripting for post-processing

Suspension K&C, ride & handling

Durability rig simulation

DVP & load case definition

Vehicle dynamics theory

B.E / B Tech (Mechanical / Automobile Engineering)

M.E/ M Tech ( Mechanical / Automobile Engineering)

• Opportunity to shape the dynamics of next-generation vehicle platforms from early concept through to production.
• Collaborative, innovation-driven engineering culture with access to state-of-the-art simulation and test facilities.
• Competitive compensation, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Clear career progression pathways into lead engineer, principal engineer, or technical specialist roles.

Interested?

IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a career in one of the worldwide leading automotive homologation and engineering companies. If you want an opportunity to challenge yourself and enhance your technical skills, apply to this role

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.