Bronco Spotlight: Tyler Chantrenne

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, 2016

Driveline Development - Mechatronics Integration Engineer at General Motors

As a Mechatronics Integration Engineer I am responsible for the development testing and integration of driveline components such as electronic limited slip differentials (eLSD), Transfer Cases, Rear Drive Units (RDUs), among other things. A lot of the job involves testing the hardware at a vehicle level and making sure that it functions as it should. Testing the software at a vehicle level to make sure that it is commanding the hardware to do the correct thing, and making sure that the diagnostic systems are working is another large part of the job. All of this needs to be documented for validation later in the development process. I work with suppliers almost every day in this role and communication is key because there is a large group of people that often need to inform of any issues that i find in the development process.

What is the most rewarding and  the most challenging parts of your job?

My role and some of my extra curricular activities have put me in a position that I am allowed to do testing at and over the lateral limits of traction of a vehicle. I've been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to train others to do the same. Seeing the moment that a new concept in performance driving clicks for a co-worker is a really fun feeling and is super rewarding for both me as an instructor and for my co-worker as a student. The most challenging part of my job is probably organization - there's a million different things to keep track of as there is in any job: who to contact, development milestones, issues to follow up on, meetings to run to between testing during the day. 

What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?

Internships were the biggest thing that helped me prepare for my career post college. Go out and get as many summer internships or Co-Ops as you can, they can be a huge factor in helping you determine where you want to be. I had 4 internships throughout college, 3 in manufacturing and 1 in product development, I found out that I wanted to work in product development through those 4 internships. Internships can help you decide what you do and don't want to do in your career. I found that I wanted to work in product development but I didn't want to sit in front of a computer all day, I wanted to interact with the product and other people involved. Now I’m not saying that designing parts on a computer for a large company is a bad thing, it just wasn't my cup of tea, and it’s a very needed position in today's world.

 What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?

Don't be afraid to ask questions and talk to people, be a sponge and soak up as much information from people as you can. If you get an interview show up and speak with confidence, if your resume was good enough to get you an interview the next part is the easiest, they want to get to know you and if you will be able to mesh with the team and company culture. Turn the interview into a casual conversation, don't ignore any questions that you are asked but be sure to display confidence and an interest in what is being discussed. 

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