What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hardware Engineer - ECM position at LER TechForce?
Hardware Engineer - Engine Control Modules
Are you looking for a role where you can use your knowledge of Engine Control Modules (ECM) to diagnose issues? Would you like to work for a company that provides an innovative work environment, flexible schedules, and ongoing professional development?
Who we are:
LER TechForce is an industry leader in embedded controls, software, functional safety, and engineering IT talent. For over 20 years LER has been working with customers across North America to meet their engineering resource challenges.
What you will be doing:
- Troubleshoot failed ECM units to root cause at system and component level
- Develop and execute diagnostic test plans
- Support production, validation, and field-return investigations
- Document findings and recommend corrective actions
- Interface with design engineering on failure mechanisms and fixes.
- Core Technical Skills
- Deep knowledge of:
- Analog and digital circuit operation
- Power electronics fundamentals (DC-DC, gate drivers, protection circuits)
- Schematic & Gerber tool as Zuken (preferable)
- Worst Case Analysis tool as Mathcad tool.
- Hands-on experience with lab equipment:
- Oscilloscopes (highly preferred: multi-channel, differential probing)
- Digital multimeters o Power supplies and electronic loads
- Ability to diagnose:
- Component-level failures (FETs, drivers, passives, ICs)
- Intermittent electrical issues
- Thermal-related faults Automotive-Specific Experience
- Experience working with:
- Automotive ECUs/ECMs in development, validation, or field return analysis
- Communication protocols such as: CAN / CAN FD, LIN
- Familiarity with automotive standards and practices:
- ISO 26262 (functional safety awareness)
- AEC-Q100 (component qualification)
- CISPR12,25
- Experience using diagnostic tools (e.g., CAN analyzers, OEM tools ) Troubleshooting & Debug Skills
- Strong root cause analysis capability:
- Structured problem solving (5-Why, Fishbone, fault isolation)
- Ability to: o Recreate failures in lab environments
- Develop test setups and debug methodologies
- Capture and interpret waveforms under dynamic conditions
- Experience with failure modes such as: o ESD / EOS damage
- Load dump events o Ground offset / noise issues o Connector fretting / intermittent Software & Tools
- Experience with:
- Embedded systems debugging (basic firmware awareness helpful)
- Calibration and diagnostic tools (e.g., ETAS INCA, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer)
- Ability to read logs and correlate software behavior with hardware issuesElectronics OR controls background
- Good communicator - written and verbal
- Great collaborator
- Experience with high-volume production environments or warranty return analysis
- Familiarity with:
- Thermal interface materials and heat dissipation in power electronics o Automated test systems
- Prior experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams
- Switch Mode Power Supplies
- Automotive Injector Circuitry
- Complex micro (preference is TC3xx)
- Knowledge of automotive power systems (12V / 48V architectures)
- Strong documentation skills (clear failure reports, test procedures)
- Ability to work independently in a lab environment
- Effective communication with design, manufacturing, and quality teams
- Detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
- Self Starter, someone who can lead a task and will proactively address road blocks
- Full benefits: medical, dental, 401K match
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Flexible Hybrid schedule
- The opportunity to work on industry leading projects
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience in automotive electronics)
- 8 years of experience in automotive electronics troubleshooting and/or validation
- Strong understanding of automotive Engine Control Modules (ECMs) and related subsystems
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting: o
- Electrical schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- PCB layouts
- Can use simulation electrical simulation toolsSystem level understanding of Electronic Control Module (ECM) and interactions between various electric systems
- Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving in the electrification space and quality decision making is required.