Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer - Engine ECU Integration

Job Description

This role focuses on engine ECU integration for a major heavy equipment manufacturer in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. You will work in a highly independent capacity to rebuild institutional knowledge, define ECU interface requirements, and ensure seamless communication between supplier engines and OEM service tools using UDS and related diagnostic protocols. The position offers high visibility, significant technical challenges, and the opportunity to collaborate directly with cross-functional engineering teams and an engine supplier on long-term, impactful projects.

Responsibilities

• Define, analyze, and document ECU interface requirements between supplier engines and OEM service tools using the UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) protocol.
• Develop, execute, and refine test procedures to validate service tool and ECU integration, ensuring robust and reliable communication.
• Work independently with cross-functional internal engineering teams and external supplier teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve integration issues.
• Reverse-engineer and document existing system behavior from limited or incomplete documentation, rebuilding institutional knowledge from the ground up.
• Write, maintain, and organize clear technical documentation, including test procedures, interface specifications, and system behavior descriptions.
• Support on-machine testing at primary and secondary facilities as needed, including setup, execution, and documentation of test results.
• Collaborate closely with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams to align integration efforts with broader system and product goals.
• Leverage diagnostic tools, service tools, and communication protocols (such as UDS, CAN, and KWP2000) to analyze, debug, and optimize ECU behavior.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of integration processes, documentation standards, and knowledge-sharing practices within the engineering organization.
• Communicate findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to stakeholders, including internal teams and international partners.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded systems or ECU integration.
• Hands-on UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services, ISO) experience, including practical use in diagnostic and service tool communication (non-negotiable).
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal direction in an ambiguous environment with incomplete documentation.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including writing test procedures, defining interfaces, and capturing system behavior from scratch.
• Experience with ECU/ECM integration, including diagnostic and communication interfaces.
• CAN data link experience, including working with CAN-based diagnostic communication.
• Boot code and flash programming knowledge relevant to ECU or embedded systems.
• Service tool interface experience, including configuration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to work simultaneously with engine teams, suppliers, and machine systems teams.
• Demonstrated comfort working with ambiguity and incomplete documentation while still driving projects forward.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills applied to complex integration and diagnostic issues.
• Eligibility to work in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CANoe scripting (CAPL) experience for simulation, testing, and analysis of CAN-based systems.
• KWP2000 protocol familiarity or experience with legacy diagnostic protocols.
• Experience working with Japanese OEM suppliers and understanding of their engineering practices.
• Japanese language skills (read, write, or speak) to support collaboration with international teams.
• Kubota ECU experience, including familiarity with their diagnostic and integration approaches (highly desired).
• Familiarity with specialized diagnostic or service tools used in heavy equipment or automotive environments.
• Experience collaborating with international, cross-functional engineering teams across time zones.
• Interest in high-visibility, high-impact engineering work with complex, real-world system integration challenges.

Work Environment

This position supports a major heavy equipment manufacturer in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina and centers on engine ECU integration within a complex, production-oriented environment. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, engine suppliers, and machine systems groups, including international partners. The role involves a mix of independent, desk-based engineering work and hands-on on-machine testing at primary and secondary facilities. You will work with diagnostic protocols such as UDS and KWP2000, CAN-based communication, service tools, CANoe (CAPL), and ECU boot and flash programming tools. The environment values initiative, clear communication, and thorough documentation, as you will be rebuilding institutional knowledge in a setting with limited existing documentation. The contract offers long-term stability, high visibility, and direct collaboration with experienced engineering leadership on globally recognized products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Clayton, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Clayton,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.