Senior Software & Controls Test Engineer – HIL / Embedded Systems
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Software & Controls Test Engineer to support the development, validation, and testing of embedded software and electronic control systems used in vehicles and mobile equipment.
This position will focus on developing and executing comprehensive test plans, designing and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test infrastructure, and ensuring the performance, safety, and reliability of complex vehicle control systems.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with embedded software testing, vehicle communication protocols such as CAN and J1939, HIL simulation platforms, and automated testing methodologies. This individual will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to validate electronic control units (ECUs), troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and improve testing efficiency through automation and scalable test infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing & Infrastructure
- Design, develop, configure, and maintain Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test systems used to validate embedded vehicle control software.
- Support HIL platforms such as dSPACE, National Instruments (NI), Vector, and ETAS.
- Integrate production and prototype electronic control units (ECUs) into HIL test benches.
- Validate hardware and software interfaces between ECUs, sensors, actuators, and vehicle control systems.
- Develop plant and subsystem simulations that accurately represent physical systems controlled by electronic controllers.
- Improve HIL infrastructure to ensure testing is repeatable, scalable, reliable, and accessible to software development teams.
- Configure and capture synchronized network, input/output (I/O), diagnostic, and internal software data to support testing and troubleshooting.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communication issues affecting HIL test environments.
Software Testing & Test Automation
- Develop, execute, and maintain comprehensive test plans to validate embedded software functionality, performance, safety, and reliability.
- Write, maintain, and peer-review high-quality automated test scripts.
- Develop and execute automated regression tests to identify software defects and verify corrective actions.
- Support Continuous Integration and Continuous Testing (CI/CT) workflows to improve software validation efficiency.
- Conduct testing across simulation environments, HIL platforms, and real-world vehicle or equipment applications.
- Evaluate software and electronic control system performance against established engineering requirements.
- Document test results, identify defects, and collaborate with development teams to resolve issues.
- Participate in software peer reviews, engineering estimates, and other technical development activities.
Embedded Vehicle Controls & Systems Validation
- Test and validate complex embedded control systems used in automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, industrial, and mobile equipment applications.
- Work with vehicle communication networks and embedded protocols, including Controller Area Network (CAN) and SAE J1939.
- Support testing of distributed electronic control systems, powertrain controls, electrification systems, hydraulic controls, and related vehicle subsystems.
- Evaluate electronic system designs for functionality, performance, safety, and reliability.
- Troubleshoot communication, integration, and software issues involving ECUs and connected electronic systems.
- Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to support product development and validation.
Engineering Processes & Project Support
- Follow established engineering standards, software development processes, and CMMI Level 3 procedures.
- Support software safety processes and applicable functional safety and cybersecurity requirements.
- Perform engineering investigations, calculations, technical evaluations, and problem-solving activities.
- Contribute to engineering project planning, design reviews, testing strategies, and technical reporting.
- Manage assigned engineering projects or project components while meeting established schedules and technical objectives.
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and external customers to resolve technical challenges.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, designers, and technicians.
- Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, presentations, and project updates.
- Support offsite engineering activities and testing as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Accredited bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering experience in embedded software testing, controls validation, HIL testing, or related engineering disciplines.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues involving electronic control systems.
- Experience working with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, SAE J1939, or similar industrial and vehicle networking technologies.
- Experience testing complex electronic control systems used in automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, industrial, or mobile equipment applications.
- Knowledge of functional safety, cybersecurity, or safety-critical embedded software development practices.
- Understanding of software testing methodologies, test planning, validation procedures, and defect identification.
- Ability to develop, execute, and document technical test procedures.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines.
- Ability to manage multiple engineering assignments and adapt to changing project priorities.
- Willingness to travel offsite as needed to support engineering projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
- Hands-on experience with HIL testing platforms, including dSPACE, National Instruments (NI), Vector, or ETAS.
- Experience designing, developing, or maintaining HIL test benches and simulation environments.
- Experience developing plant models or subsystem simulations for embedded controller validation.
- Experience integrating production or prototype ECUs into automated testing environments.
- Experience developing automated regression testing frameworks and supporting CI/CT workflows.
- Familiarity with embedded software development, software peer reviews, and test script maintenance.
- Experience with CMMI Level 3 engineering processes and structured software development methodologies.
- Experience validating electrification, powertrain, hydraulic, or distributed vehicle control systems.
- Experience with functional safety and cybersecurity requirements for embedded control systems.
EOE Employer
#HRUProfessional