Job Title: Systems Engineer - ADAS Platform & Vehicle Networking
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) platform, with a strong emphasis on vehicle networking and system integration. You will support the end-to-end system architecture for ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Collision Avoidance, and Parking Assistance. Working closely with hardware, software, and network communication teams, you will define and manage signals and interfaces, coordinate suppliers, and ensure robust, safe, and high-performance operation of the ADAS platform.
Responsibilities
- Support the design, development, and analysis of an integrated ADAS platform that combines hardware, software, sensor technologies, and communication networks to enable features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Collision Avoidance, and Parking Assistance.
- Contribute to the technical architecture of the next-generation ADAS platform, ensuring that system design meets functional, performance, and communication requirements.
- Collaborate with ADAS feature owners to collect feature-level requirements and translate them into robust network-level specifications and signal designs.
- Define, design, and map CAN and CAN-FD signals and messages, and coordinate directly with the network communications team to integrate them into master databases and ARXML files.
- Support the definition of Ethernet Service-Oriented Architecture services for ADAS controllers, working with in-house and supplier software teams to create and define Protocol Buffers (.proto files).
- Design, develop, and integrate hardware, software, and network solutions for ADAS features, ensuring cohesive system behavior.
- Cascade detailed platform system requirements, including interface definitions and CAN/Ethernet signal specifications, to in-house software teams and Tier-1 suppliers with complete requirements traceability.
- Support platform system analysis activities, including interface analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and the definition of robustness actions.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks in the system design by analyzing technical trade-offs and proposing alternative solutions.
- Collaborate with hardware and software engineers to develop board-level and network-level interfaces that meet signal integrity, end-to-end communication protection (CRC, counters), and timing requirements.
- Synchronize and coordinate ECU software release cycles with network database release schedules to ensure alignment of physical components and simulation models.
- Review network database and ARXML contents to identify anomalies, signal definition mismatches, and structural issues, and drive corrective actions.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee validation and testing of network databases and signal definitions on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups, simulation benches, and prototype vehicles to verify signal integrity and system performance.
- Analyze and optimize platform system performance across hardware, software, and bus networks, including bus load analysis and latency optimization.
- Work closely with in-house hardware and software design teams, suppliers, and external partners to evaluate, specify, and integrate third-party components and network communication databases for ADAS systems.
- Provide support for troubleshooting and resolving complex issues related to ADAS platform system-on-chip integration, network communication errors, and software defects.
- Perform root-cause analysis of network communication issues using advanced bus analysis tools, monitoring data packet loss, message latency, and overall network behavior.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for system design, requirements specifications, testing, and validation processes.
- Provide regular updates to stakeholders on project progress, technical challenges, and resolutions, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of experience in systems engineering or product development, preferably in complex embedded or automotive systems.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive ECU development, including exposure to production programs.
- Strong hands-on experience with CAN and CAN-FD bus systems and automotive Ethernet communication.
- Proven experience creating, managing, and maintaining network communication databases and ARXML files.
- Proficiency with Vector tools such as CANoe and related network analysis and simulation tools.
- Experience with requirements management, including capturing, tracing, and cascading requirements to internal teams and suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and collaborate with software and hardware suppliers to align on specifications and delivery.
- Practical experience performing FMEA and applying structured root-cause analysis methodologies to system and network issues.
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, including MagicDraw and MATLAB/Simulink.
- Solid understanding of vehicle networking concepts and system integration practices in an automotive context.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working directly with ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Parking Assist.
- Knowledge of AUTOSAR architectures and configuration principles for ECUs and network communication.
- Understanding of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) concepts applied to automotive Ethernet and ADAS controllers.
- Experience defining and using Protocol Buffers (.proto files) for communication between distributed software components.
- Ability to write CAPL scripts for simulation, testing, and automation of network communication scenarios.
- Exposure to functional safety concepts and processes in automotive systems.
- Experience with embedded software and system integration, including integrating software stacks on ECUs and validating them in vehicle and bench environments.
- as an automotive systems engineer with strong ADAS and vehicle networking expertise, capable of defining signals and interfaces, managing network databases, coordinating software suppliers, and supporting system integration and diagnostics.
Work Environment
You will work in a collaborative automotive engineering environment focused on advanced driver assistance and vehicle networking technologies. The role involves close interaction with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, systems, and supplier partners, using industry-standard tools such as Vector CANoe, MagicDraw, MATLAB/Simulink, and ARXML-based network databases. Work typically centers on ECU development, network design, HIL and bench testing, and prototype vehicle validation, with an emphasis on rigorous documentation, requirements traceability, and data-driven analysis. The environment values clear communication, systematic problem solving, and continuous optimization of performance and robustness across complex embedded systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00/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 Dearborn,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.
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