Job Title: In-Vehicle Systems Validation Engineer
Job Description
The In-Vehicle Systems Validation Engineer will perform hands-on testing and validation of advanced vehicle systems in a proving grounds/test track environment. This role focuses on validating integrated vehicle technologies including Linux-based systems, M*, Ethernet communications, planning, positioning, perception, and wireless communication systems.The engineer will spend significant time in vehicles executing test procedures, collecting and analyzing data, identifying system defects, and working with development teams to troubleshoot issues and verify system performance in real-world operating conditions.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform in-vehicle testing and validation on proving grounds, test tracks, and off-road environments.
- Execute vehicle-level test procedures for planning, positioning, perception, and wireless communication systems.
- Validate integrated embedded systems operating within Linux-based environments.
- Test and troubleshoot Automotive Ethernet and vehicle network communications.
- Support testing and validation involving M* tools/systems and associated vehicle technologies.
- Validate system performance across different vehicle operating conditions, speeds, terrains, and environmental conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and document vehicle and system data during test-track activities.
- Identify, reproduce, document, and troubleshoot software, communication, and system-level defects.
- Work with development engineers to isolate root causes and verify software or system fixes in the vehicle.
- Develop and execute test plans, test procedures, and validation scenarios based on system requirements.
- Support vehicle instrumentation, software configuration, data logging, and test setup.
- Document defects with clear reproduction steps, vehicle conditions, logs, and test results.
- Work closely with software, systems, perception, and vehicle engineering teams throughout development and validation.
Essential Skills
- 3+ years of experience in vehicle testing, systems validation, automotive/off-highway testing, or embedded systems validation.
- Hands-on experience performing testing directly on vehicles, machines, trucks, or mobile equipment.
- Strong working knowledge of Linux for system configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and log analysis.
- Experience with M* technologies/tools in a vehicle testing or development environment.
- Knowledge of Ethernet, preferably Automotive Ethernet or Ethernet-based vehicle communications.
- Experience testing systems involving planning, positioning, and/or perception.
- Understanding of GPS/GNSS, localization, positioning, or navigation systems.
- Experience with wireless communication technologies used within connected vehicle systems.
- Strong system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
- Ability to create and execute detailed vehicle test procedures and validation plans.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to spend significant time driving test vehicles.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with autonomous, ADAS, or advanced machine/vehicle systems.
- Experience with CAN, J1939, CANalyzer, or CANoe.
- Experience collecting and analyzing vehicle network and sensor data.
- Familiarity with perception sensors such as radar, cameras, LiDAR, or positioning sensors.
- Experience with embedded Linux and vehicle software integration.
- Understanding of vehicle networking across Ethernet, CAN, and wireless interfaces.
- Experience troubleshooting issues that span software, networking, sensors, and vehicle hardware.
Work Environment This is a highly hands-on proving grounds and test track position. The engineer will spend a significant portion of the workday inside test vehicles and on the track, executing validation procedures, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and evaluating system behavior.Testing may take place on paved tracks, dirt/off-road courses, and other controlled vehicle environments. Candidates must be comfortable working around vehicles and heavy equipment and performing testing outdoors in varying weather, noise, dust, and driving conditions. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $64.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chillicothe,IL.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.
