Controls Engineer 2 – Autonomous Systems Testing & Validation

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Controls Engineer 2 – Autonomous Systems Testing & Validation in Tucson, Arizona. The work will be performed 100% onsite at a proving ground facility on second shift. This is a 24-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is $51/hr W-2 plus full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).

Job Summary

The Controls Engineer 2 will support the development, testing, troubleshooting, and validation of autonomous software and control systems used in advanced industrial and mining equipment. This role focuses on onboard machine validation, integrating autonomy technologies such as perception, planning, and positioning with existing machine systems, and ensuring reliable operation in real-world testing environments. The engineer will execute test plans, analyze system performance data, investigate mechanical, electrical, and software issues, and document findings to support product development and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in vehicle testing or validation, strong technical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work closely with engineering teams and equipment operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and execute test plans, validation procedures, and development activities for autonomous haul trucks, autonomous drills, and related control systems.
• Perform hands-on testing and troubleshooting of autonomous machines, investigating mechanical, electrical, and software issues to ensure reliable system functionality and performance.
• Analyze test data, evaluate autonomous system behavior, investigate complex failures, and recommend improvements to system performance, quality, and reliability.
• Document testing activities, technical issues, root cause findings, and validation results while preparing detailed test reports and communicating recommendations to engineering and software development teams.
• Collaborate with onsite equipment operators, autonomy validation engineers, and software developers to support onboard system integration, technical troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of autonomous technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering or Computer Science program, or equivalent experience testing or developing control systems, vehicles, engines, or autonomous technologies.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in controls engineering, vehicle testing, software validation, autonomous systems, or related technical fields. Relevant internships are accepted.
• Strong computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Windows operating systems and computer-based diagnostic tools.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems, including mechanical, electrical, software, or integrated control systems.
• Strong analytical thinking, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify, investigate, and resolve technical issues.
• Familiarity with software or system testing, validation procedures, and technical documentation.
• Ability to analyze technical information and communicate findings clearly to engineering and development teams.
• Strong teamwork, organizational, time management, and independent working skills.
• Willingness to work 100% onsite in Tucson, AZ, on second shift, with up to 25% travel to Peoria, IL.
• Ability to work in a hot, dry, dusty proving ground environment.
• Ability to frequently ascend and descend large machines while carrying a backpack, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vehicle testing, controls validation, autonomous machine testing, or heavy equipment development.
• Familiarity with Ubuntu or Linux operating systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining test plans, validation procedures, technical documentation, and test reports.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and troubleshoot electrical systems.
• Knowledge of autonomous technologies such as perception, planning, and positioning systems.
• Experience with onboard machine systems, vehicle controls, autonomy software, or integrated mechanical/electrical systems.
• Experience performing on-machine testing and collecting or analyzing technical data.
• Exposure to simulation, calibration, analytics, or machine learning development pipelines supporting autonomous systems.
• Experience collaborating with software developers, equipment operators, and validation teams to resolve system-level issues.

Why This Role?

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to advanced autonomous vehicle technologies while supporting a global leader in heavy machinery and manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience testing large industrial machines, validating autonomous control systems, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and collaborating with software developers and engineering teams. Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to expand your expertise in autonomous systems, machine testing, and engineering validation.