JobsMercury Marine

Principal Calibration Engineer

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Aug 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you had to develop a new software strategy for something like shifting, starting, or transient control. What was the problem and how did you approach it?

depth of hands-on experience defining control strategies, not just tuning existing ones

Describe a test plan you built that required pulling in people from several different functions. How did you keep it on track when priorities conflicted?

ability to lead cross-functional test execution, a core listed responsibility

Tell me about a time you used DFSS or a similar root-cause methodology to chase down a failure. What made you confident you'd found the actual root cause and not just a symptom?

rigor and discipline in failure analysis versus guesswork fixes

What's an internal process, tool, or calibration strategy you personally created or overhauled, and how did you measure that it actually made things faster or more robust?

evidence of the process-improvement mandate this principal-level role expects

Technical

Walk me through how you'd take a new engine family from dynamometer base calibration through to on-water drivability testing. What's the sequence and what are you watching for at each stage?

whether the candidate actually owns the full calibration lifecycle rather than one narrow slice of it

How have you used MATLAB or Python in your calibration work, and what kind of analysis were you actually building versus just running canned scripts someone else wrote?

real coding depth versus surface familiarity with the tools

Have you worked with Simulink for modeling engine or control systems? Tell me about a model you built or maintained and what decisions it drove.

whether Simulink experience is substantive enough to match the preferred qualification

Have you set up a Design of Experiments for calibration work, and what did the regression analysis end up telling you that changed your approach?

real statistical rigor versus just running sweeps and eyeballing results

Tell me about a DAQ setup you had to build or troubleshoot from scratch. What went wrong and how did you find it?

hands-on instrumentation competence, not just relying on someone else's rig

Situational

Say you're mid-calibration and emissions data on the dyno doesn't match what your 1D simulation predicted. How do you figure out whether the model, the test setup, or the actual hardware is wrong?

systematic troubleshooting instinct across simulation and physical test domains

A field issue comes in that looks like it could be calibration, could be a supplier part, or could be a manufacturing variance. How do you sort out where the problem actually lives?

cross-functional diagnostic thinking and ability to advise teams outside calibration

You're mentoring a newer engineer who's confident in their calibration approach but you think they're missing something important. How do you handle that conversation?

ability to guide and train junior staff without shutting them down, per the stated responsibility

This role expects 8 to 10 weeks of travel a year, much of it likely tied to on-water and dyno testing. What's your experience with that kind of travel-heavy test cadence, and how do you keep a project moving when you're not in the building?

realistic expectations about travel demands and remote project management skills

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Location: Oshkosh, WI & Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: Onsite Travel Required: 8-10 weeks per year Pay Range: $103,200 - $144,000 Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.  Relocation: Yes Position Summary: As a Principal Calibration Engineer on the Engine and Vessel Calibration team you will be responsible for delivering complete engine and vessel calibration to support production of new and current products.  You will provide technical expertise and leadership on new product and new technologies in the marine space while working cross functionally within product development.  Additionally, as a Principal Engineer you will be expected to implement performance initiatives including the creation and improvement of processes, tools and skills within the group and greater engineering organization.     Primary Duties and Responsibilities:     • Lead complete engine calibration development activities for entire engine families. These activities will include base engine calibration tasks on the engine dynamometer and engine drivability tasks on boats. • Lead company efforts to develop new software strategies for new Mercury products in engine powertrain control and vessel propulsion. Some potential areas of development include emissions control, OBD, shifting, starting, transients, and vessel control. Definition and execution of corresponding 1D simulation and co-simulation. • Construct and execute comprehensive engine test/development plans involving coordination of cross functional resources. • Effectively communicate and provide recommendations through analysis, preparation, and presentation of technical data. • Create and improve internal development, validation, and calibration processes and strategies to increase speed, robustness, and efficiency of product release. • Integrate disciplined DFSS methods for root cause failure determination and corrective action • Provide technical consultation to cross-functional teams throughout engineering to improve or resolve manufacturing, supplier, or field issues • Provide technical guidance, direction, and training to newer engineers and technicians • Able to travel 8-10 weeks per year   Basic Qualifications:   • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or similar • 8 years of experience in engine or vehicle calibration • Experience with internal combustion engines and development of new engines • Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis • Experience with engine control or vehicle control software and development • Experience with DAQ setup, programming, and troubleshooting   Preferred Qualifications:   • Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering or similar • Experience with creating and specifying engine control system strategies. • Experience with modeling of engine and engine control systems using Simulink (or equivalent). • Experience with creation and analysis of Design of Experiments including regression analysis. The hiring range for this position is $103,200 - $144,000 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here . Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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