Janelle Horton, Active Safety & Testing Engineer at MBRDNA
In our ongoing series highlighting the exceptional talent at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we sat down with one of our Active Safety & Testing Engineers who is helping shape the future of automotive safety technology while fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Some career paths seem predestined. For Janelle, the road to Mercedes-Benz began in childhood with a fascination that many might find familiar, yet few transform into a career.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by vehicles, particularly the infotainment systems and how humans interact with their functions,” she explains. “From being captivated by car commercials as a baby, writing various papers about the automotive industry dating back to the 5th grade, and attending car shows with my dad as a teen, automobiles were always a recurring theme in my life.”
This early passion gained direction during her time at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), where a pivotal conversation with a professor who had industry experience helped her identify her specific interest within Industrial and Systems Engineering: human-machine interaction.
The journey continued through an internship at an OEM and a position at a consulting firm working on Intelligent Transportation Systems. When the opportunity to join Mercedes-Benz presented itself, it felt like the perfect culmination of a path that had been unfolding naturally all along.
“Reflecting on my journey, it feels as though I was destined to have a career in the automotive industry,” she shares. “I just needed the pieces for my roadmap to fall into place.”
Driving Innovation in Automotive Safety
At MBRDNA, Janelle’s work spans multiple critical projects that are shaping the future of vehicle safety and autonomous driving technology.
One of her ongoing projects involves a Level 3 and Level 4-5 Autonomous Vehicle State Analysis, tracking legislative actions in the Senate and House related to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS). This work supports the development of realistic and effective rollout plans for future testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles.
However, her true passion lies in addressing driver distraction—a contributing factor to traffic accidents and fatalities.
“I enjoy exploring innovative solutions aimed at reducing various forms of distractions and attending conferences to learn new ways organizations are encouraging safe driving habits,” she says, highlighting how this aligns perfectly with Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing safety.
Building Community and Fostering Belonging
Beyond her technical contributions, Janelle actively participates in Business Resource Groups (BRGs) at MBRDNA, including Women@MBRDNA and IGNITE@MBRDNA.
Her involvement began through the encouragement of a mentor during the MBRDNA Elevate Mentorship Program, illustrating how formal mentorship initiatives can foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
“Both BRGs create a strong sense of community through various events, and I’m happy to contribute to their efforts,” Janelle notes, emphasizing the importance of these groups in creating belonging in the workplace.
When asked about influential figures in her career, she immediately credits Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson and Dr. Maranda McBride from N.C. A&T for their guidance during her academic journey.
Dr. Smith-Jackson, who was both her professor and the chair of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, helped direct her educational path after meaningful conversations about her goals and passions. This guidance eventually led to a master’s degree focused on human-machine interaction.
Before embarking on her thesis, Janelle was introduced to Dr. McBride who was the Director of the Transportation Institute. Under her guidance, Janelle broadened her research horizons to studies focused on the impact of personal listening devices with different headsets and how varying decibel levels might impact pedestrian safety—work that allowed her to present at conferences and contribute to the Safety Sciences community.
“I am incredibly grateful to know and have worked with these amazing women,” she reflects.
Advice for Young Engineers
For young engineers, particularly women and underrepresented groups interested in the automotive and tech industries, she offers valuable guidance:
“Consider your interests and passions. Network with your community and seek mentorships that can help you connect with individuals who are involved in these fields,” she advises. “Learn about the joys they’ve experienced, the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and how these events have shaped their personal and professional growth.”
She emphasizes the importance of building upon these insights as you progress in your career: “As time goes on, whether through conferences, internships, or other opportunities, you will begin to create your own roadmap, applying the practical knowledge you’ve gained along the way.”
Her last piece of advice resonates with confidence: “Have confidence in your unique perspectives and the skills you have attained. It is incredibly rewarding once you take a step back to appreciate the results of your hard work.”
The MBRDNA Difference
When asked about MBRDNA’s culture, Janelle describes an environment that values collaboration and continuous learning:
“The culture at MBRDNA is welcoming, with team members from various areas collaborating to share knowledge. This openness has allowed me to learn about new topics, whether directly related to my job responsibilities or interrelated.”
Through regular team meetings and informal networking opportunities, she has found an ongoing learning environment that has helped develop her skills and contribute more effectively to the organization’s safety-first strategy.
Janelle’s journey exemplifies how passion, mentorship, and an inclusive workplace can come together to drive innovation in automotive safety.
Check out our open positions at https://mbrdna.com/
This spotlight is part of our ongoing series highlighting the talents and contributions of the MBRDNA team. Follow our LinkedIn for more inspiring stories from the people behind our innovations.