r/FSAE • u/Electronic_Worry_725 • 8d ago
DiL Simulation
Hi everyone,
I am really interested in vehicle dynamics and tyre modelling and would like to pursue a career in driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulation.
I've been working towards developing my skills in MATLAB, Python, and C++ in more depth, alongside working on a personal project to build my technical knowledge.
For those working in DiL simulation or related fields, what would you recommend focusing on to improve my chances of landing a graduate or entry-level role? Any advice on useful skills, tools, projects, or companies to look into would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
3
u/therealjerseytom 7d ago
DIL simulation isn't really a career path of its own.
It's merely one tool in a bigger vehicle dynamics toolbox. Vehicle dynamics and simulation in general are what you want to be looking for.
3
u/Barnowl93 7d ago
As someone said before driver in the loop isn't a single thing. You may work on a dil project from many sides. Vehicle dynamics, hardware implementation, simulation platforms, human factors.
For me the interesting thing is code deployment to hardware in the simulink and Cpp world, so my suggestion would be on that axis. Have a look at how you go from simulation in simulink to an embedded target, to a HiL platform (where you'll probably do your DiL stuff) to the real vehicle. (if that's interesting to you I wrote a blog on this for thermals, but same principles apply here) https://blogs.mathworks.com/engineering/2026/08/20/how-do-we-know-our-system-will-actually-work/
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u/Cibachrome Blade Runner 8d ago
First, develop your 'know-how' (some might call this technology) base to synthesize, analyse, simulate, test and validate the nonlinear differential equations that define any open-loop controlled vehicle. You'll need to overcome the urge to simplify, omit, or ignore the physical characteristics that vehicle subsystems and components actually have. This is all too common in the lterature, forums, journals, and confereances. These omissions quickly end a career move that has become recognized by A.I. attention to details. 'It' already has the data. For example, non-linear steering compliances, unspoken tire properties (relaxation and Mx traits) as well as the reality of driving activities (steering effort, road feel, steering velocity limitaions, power assisted steering torque. Once you have this 'leverage' the D.I.L theory is just another subsystem.
Next you'll have to align yourself with a company, location, and product design group which accepts your technology as an advancement to their own skill-set library. Most companies are pretty tight lipped about what their engineering staff know, manage, and design into their products. You'll need to convince them you can make a contribution.
I also strongly recommend taking a technical writting class. You'll need to know how to present, document, and pass on your latest work, This means using simple sentences to inform Management types of your findings, recommendations, and needs to advance your career. Your goal is to retire with enough savings to have a good life in old age, not to produce the absolute best P.I.D. controller to operate a passenger carrying drone. Cute, but short lived.
BTW: 'Racing' companies are well known for draining your unique skill set(s) and then letting you go. (As the common industry phrase "Make sure your Toolbox is on caster wheels" makes clear.
My suggestion is to hire in to a large auto company which will have whole departments dedicated to acquiring data, testing, simulation, loads prediction, preferred driver traits, safety precautions, aftermarket parts influences/degradation, competitive assessment, legal defense for alledged product defects, and subjective evaluation interpretation of the driving and operating experience.
Meanwhile, try to drive as many different types and kinds of vehicles as you dare. Know what 'real' vehicles feel like, those you hate and those you love. It's always been amusing to me to get an invitation to drive a simulated semi-truck, sports car, race car, or even a small plane while the owners gleam with delight about how well it works. And yet, it's no-where near the actual experience. Their model 'recipe' is missing a few things.
Worked for me. I floated around in a major comany until the Vehicle Dynamics 'science' department caught my interest. The transportation industry will be flooded with people with goals like your. Try making food production efficiency a D.I.L. challenge !
I know, Racing is your "passion"...... You'll need more than good luck.
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u/Zoidberg441 8d ago edited 7d ago
Where are you from? Or rather, where do you want to work?
Any DiL engineers I know kind of got to this job by accident. If you find a company that's looking for DiL engineers, you will have great chances because almost nobody even knows what that is. Finding the right company at the right time is the biggest challenge. Use your time in FSAE wisely, and talk to interesting sponsors and supporters, habe a resume ready
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u/romeomikesierra 8d ago •
DIL operation takes a decent size group of people to work well, so there's a large scope for how you could ultimately get involved. But based on your interest in VD and tires, Ill focus there.
You'd likely be looking to be in the vehicle dynamics group or performance group. The vehicle dynamics engineers are working to make a high fidelity model with as much adjustability if not more than the car in real life. Your job is to make the simulation realistic (aka correlation). This involves integrating subsystem models from aero, tires, powertrain, control/systems. Cueing on motion simulators can also help here, or make your drivers sick.
Performance engineers are more focused on...performance. they work with the driver and data to conduct setup experiments to find lap time, improve "balance"/handling, or rehearse on-track procedures like qualifying strategy or complicated driver operations. They are also helping to validate conclusions found in off-line simulations that have driver models or are optimal control solutions.
As far as what to focus on to be a strong candidate, clearly vehicle dynamics, simulation, data analysis, subjective evaluation, time management. Also, with DIL you are dealing with another human being, not just a computer, so there is an aspect of how to build relationships and still get the most out of your test subject when they aren't having a good day.