Vehicle Test Engineer

Job Title: Functional Vehicle Test Engineer

Hands‑on vehicle and engine testing supporting on‑highway diesel truck validation. Focus on instrumentation, data logging, troubleshooting, and performance validation. Seasonal travel is required for this position for Summer and Winter testing. Seasonal travel: 10–18 weeks, summer and winter testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute vehicle, engine, and powertrain testing for on‑highway trucks
• Install and troubleshoot instrumentation (thermocouples, strain gauges, sensors)
• Log, analyze, and validate engine/system performance data
• Perform system‑level troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Use Vector tools (CANape, CANalyzer) for diagnostics and data analysis
• Generate daily test reports, graphs, and validation documentation
• Communicate work orders and directions within a union environment
• Support remote testing during seasonal travel periods

MUST‑HAVE SKILLS

• Vehicle, engine, or powertrain testing experience
• Hands‑on automotive instrumentation
• Data logging and analysis
• CAN tools (CANalyzer, CANape, CANoe)
• Self‑starter; able to work autonomously
• Proficient with Microsoft tools

NICE‑TO‑HAVE

• Diesel engines and aftertreatment systems
• Chassis or towable chassis dynamometer testing
• MATLAB or INCA
• FMEA experience
• Truck or heavy‑duty vehicle background

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Automotive, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Entry‑level to early‑career engineers; internships acceptable
• Comfortable working in a union shop environment
• Willingness to travel 40% annually

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• On‑site engineering lab and vehicle test facilities
• Seasonal travel: 6–18 weeks summer and winter testing
• OT during testing seasons (paid at straight rate)

This is a Permanent position based out of Detroit, MI.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/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 fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 : $36 - $40