Software Test Engineer

This role focuses on vehicle-level integration, testing, and debugging of advanced autonomous driving systems at the intersection of robotics software and vehicle systems. You will work hands-on in Linux-based environments with ROS and automotive communication protocols to analyze system behavior, troubleshoot issues across hardware and software boundaries, and support both on-road and lab-based validation of autonomous vehicle features.

Responsibilities

• Work in a Linux (Ubuntu) environment to build, test, and debug robotics and vehicle software systems.
• Develop, maintain, and execute test scripts and automation tools using Python and C on Linux-based platforms.
• Develop and support ROS1-based pipelines, including nodes, topics, services, launch files, and rosbag workflows.
• Work with ROS1 to launch nodes, record and replay rosbags, debug topic streams, and integrate test harnesses.
• Analyze vehicle data using CAN protocols, DBC files, and tools such as Vector, Kvaser, or similar platforms.
• Decode CAN messages using DBC files and leverage CAN tools and hardware to support testing and analysis.
• Troubleshoot and debug system-level issues spanning sensors, compute platforms, and vehicle subsystems.
• Support integration and validation of autonomous features across powertrain, steering, braking, and related vehicle systems.
• Perform log analysis, automation, and data parsing using Python scripting to identify issues and verify performance.
• Review existing C codebases to navigate, debug, and make minor updates or modifications in support of testing and feature validation.
• Document findings thoroughly and provide clear, structured test reports to cross-functional engineering teams.
• Participate in vehicle testing activities, including on-road evaluations and lab-based testing as needed.
• Collaborate with robotics, software, and vehicle systems engineers to resolve defects and improve system robustness.

• Hands-on experience with Linux (Ubuntu), including comfort with the shell, build systems, networking, and debugging tools.
• Proficiency in Python scripting for automation, log parsing, and data analysis.
• Ability to develop and maintain test scripts and automation tools using Python and C on Linux-based platforms.
• Working knowledge of ROS1, including nodes, topics, services, launch files, rosbag workflows, tf, and basic package development.
• Practical experience with the CAN protocol, including message decoding using DBC files.
• Experience using CAN tools and hardware such as Vector, Kvaser, or similar platforms.
• Solid foundation in automotive systems, including powertrain, steering, braking, and vehicle dynamics.
• Understanding of robotics fundamentals, such as coordinate frames, transforms, sensors, actuators, and basic state estimation.
• Reading-level proficiency in C , with the ability to navigate, debug, and make small modifications to existing codebases.
• Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for clear and concise test documentation and reporting.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline; a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is also acceptable.
• Experience with autonomous vehicles, robotics, and vehicle systems engineering.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and modern software development workflows.
• Experience using issue tracking tools such as Jira or similar platforms.
• Exposure to functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 or SOTIF-related standards.
• Experience working with sensor calibration tools and large-scale rosbag analysis.
• Experience in systems engineering, including integration and validation of complex mechatronic systems.

You will work in a technically advanced environment focused on autonomous vehicle development, combining robotics software and vehicle systems engineering. The role centers on Linux (Ubuntu) platforms, using tools and technologies such as ROS1, Python, C , CAN analysis hardware and software (e.g., Vector, Kvaser), and standard development utilities like Git, CI/CD systems, and issue trackers. Work includes a mix of lab-based integration and validation activities, extensive log and data analysis, and participation in vehicle-level testing, including on-road evaluations. The environment emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams, clear communication, and rigorous documentation to ensure safe and reliable autonomous system performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester Hills, MI.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Rochester Hills,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.

Salary : $55 - $70