Applications Engineer Jobs in Elkhart, IN (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About ACTIA
ACTIA is a global leader in electronic and software solutions for commercial vehicles, transit, Bus & Coach, specialty vehicles, and off-highway markets. Our technologies enable intelligent vehicle architectures through multiplexing systems, electronic control units (ECUs), smart displays (SHMI), telematics, connectivity, and power management solutions. As the transportation industry transitions toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), ACTIA is helping OEMs modernize vehicle architectures by integrating advanced software platforms, connected services, cloud technologies, and intelligent electronics into next-generation vehicles.
Position Overview
ACTIA is seeking a highly motivated Senior Application Engineer with a strong software and systems engineering background to support OEM customers in the design, integration, and deployment of complete vehicle electronic architectures. This role combines system architecture, software engineering, customer engagement, and vehicle integration. The successful candidate will work closely with OEMs to define and implement solutions built around ACTIA's portfolio of:

• Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
• Multiplexing Systems
• Smart Human Machine Interfaces (SHMI)
• Power Management Systems (MPSxx)
• Telematics and Connectivity Platforms
• Vehicle Networking and Diagnostics Solutions

The ideal candidate understands both traditional distributed vehicle architectures and the industry's evolution toward Software-Defined Vehicles, centralized computing, connected services, and over-the-air software deployment. Experience within the Bus & Coach industry is highly preferred, while exposure to agriculture, construction, specialty, or heavy-duty vehicle applications is considered a strong asset.
Key Responsibilities System Architecture & Solution Design

• Design complete electronic and software architectures using ACTIA hardware and software platforms.
• Define vehicle network architectures using CAN, J1939, CAN FD, Ethernet, and related communication technologies.
• Translate customer requirements into scalable and maintainable system architectures.
• Create architecture diagrams, interface definitions, functional specifications, and integration plans.
• Support vehicle-level integration activities including displays, body control systems, multiplexing, power management, diagnostics, and connectivity.

Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Development

• Support customer migration from traditional distributed ECU designs toward Software-Defined Vehicle architectures.
• Define software-centric vehicle architectures supporting feature scalability and lifecycle management.
• Assist customers with OTA update strategies, remote diagnostics, fleet connectivity, and cloud integration.
• Support implementation of service-oriented architectures and connected vehicle ecosystems.
• Collaborate on strategies involving domain controllers, centralized computing, and zonal architectures.

Software Development & Integration

• Develop and support software applications running on ACTIA platforms.
• Collaborate with software development teams throughout requirements, implementation, validation, and release activities.
• Support embedded Linux and application-level software development.
• Participate in software troubleshooting, debugging, and validation activities.
• Support test automation and software quality processes.

Functional Safety & Compliance

• Support development activities compliant with ISO 26262 functional safety requirements.
• Contribute to safety analyses, system requirements allocation, verification planning, and validation activities.
• Collaborate with quality and engineering teams to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Promote best practices for safety-critical development processes.

CI/CD & DevOps

• Support modern software development workflows utilizing CI/CD methodologies.
• Contribute to build automation, testing automation, release management, and deployment strategies.
• Improve software quality through continuous integration and automated validation.
• Participate in code reviews and software quality initiatives.
• Support version control and release traceability processes.

Customer-Facing Engineering

• Act as a primary technical interface between ACTIA and OEM customers.
• Lead technical workshops, architecture reviews, design discussions, and solution demonstrations.
• Support prototype development, vehicle commissioning, and launch activities.
• Provide technical guidance throughout project execution and customer development programs.

Required QualificationsEducation
Bachelor's Degree in:

• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Automotive Engineering
• Related Engineering Discipline

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, transportation, or embedded systems engineering.
• Proven experience designing complex electronic and software systems.
• Experience interfacing directly with customers and OEM engineering teams.
• Experience integrating hardware, embedded software, and vehicle networking technologies.

Technical RequirementsVehicle Electronics & Networking

• CAN
• CAN FD
• SAE J1939
• Ethernet
• Diagnostic protocols
• Vehicle multiplexing systems
• ECU integration

Software Development

• C/C++
• Python
• Scripting languages
• Linux environments
• Embedded software development
• Application software development

Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)

• Understanding of Software-Defined Vehicle principles and architectures.
• Knowledge of centralized computing and domain controller architectures.
• Familiarity with OTA update strategies and software lifecycle management.
• Experience supporting connected vehicle and cloud-based software solutions.
• Understanding of software architecture principles for vehicle platforms.

CI/CD & DevOps
Experience with:

• Git
• Azure DevOps
• GitLab
• Jenkins
• Continuous Integration
• Continuous Deployment
• Automated testing frameworks
• Version control and release management

Functional Safety & Quality
Knowledge of:

• ISO 26262
• Automotive SPICE (ASPICE)
• Requirements management
• Verification and validation processes
• Safety-critical software development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the Bus & Coach industry.
• Experience supporting transit agencies or commercial vehicle OEMs.
• Familiarity with ACTIA products and multiplexing architectures.
• Knowledge of vehicle electrical distribution systems and power management.
• Experience with telematics and connected fleet solutions.
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR Classic and/or Adaptive AUTOSAR.
• Knowledge of ISO 21434 automotive cybersecurity.
• Understanding of UNECE R155 and R156 requirements.
• Experience with cloud platforms, edge computing, and vehicle-to-cloud architectures.
• Experience with zonal architectures, domain controllers, and centralized vehicle computing.
• Exposure to electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid vehicle programs.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong systems thinker with the ability to understand complete vehicle architectures.
• Customer-focused mindset and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to bridge software, hardware, networking, and vehicle integration disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Passion for emerging transportation technologies and Software-Defined Vehicles.

What Success Looks Like
Within your first year, you will:

• Lead architecture discussions with key OEM customers.
• Deliver complete vehicle solutions utilizing ACTIA ECUs, SHMIs, MPSxx power modules, and connectivity platforms.
• Support successful customer launches through integration, testing, and validation phases.
• Help establish modern CI/CD and software delivery practices for customer programs.
• Contribute to ISO 26262-compliant product development activities.
• Become a trusted technical advisor for vehicle architecture, software integration, and Software-Defined Vehicle initiatives.

Why ACTIA?
Join a company shaping the future of transportation through intelligent electronics, connected software platforms, and Software-Defined Vehicle technologies. You'll work directly with leading OEMs, influence next-generation vehicle architectures, and help transform how commercial vehicles are designed, connected, and maintained.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications and Education
• Bachelors or higher in EE, EET, ME, MET, CS or demonstrable equivalent
• Must have superior troubleshooting skills
• Experience in vehicle/vessel system architectures
• Experience with databus messaging structure & application; preferably CAN
• Experience with small signal analog electronic design
• Experience with Digital electronic design including microcontrollers
• Experience with Mechanical design, 3D CAD design is a plus
• Experience with software engineering
• Experience with embedded systems engineering
• Experience with EMC/EMI and other environmental requirements
• Experience with electronics production process and methodology
Working Conditions
Movement
This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office and on the production floor. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Operate/Use
Must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e. copier, printer, calculator)
Ascend/Descend
Rarely ascends/descends stairs to reach archived files
Communicate
This position frequently communicates with co-workers, managers and supervisors. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Transport
This position frequently lifts or moves 10 pounds, occasionally moves up to 25 pounds and rarely lifts or moves 50 pounds for various needs.
Work Environment
Relatively quiet but fast paced.
Travel
Occasional travel to customers and vendors, with overnight stays, may be required.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
ACTIA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ACTIA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and t providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ACTICA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ACTIA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.