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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan

The Impact Safety Test Engineer is responsible for the planning, preparing, and performing impact ... Minimum of 5 years of automotive experience * Proficiency in Microsoft Office & MS Teams * Ability ...

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Automotive Test & Fixture Technician Location: Farmington Hills, MI - Metro Detroit Pay: $18-$23 ... Work directly with engineers to support testing, equipment setup, fixture preparation, and project ...

We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Brake Test Engineer to support the development and validation of automotive brake calipers and brake control systems. This position will be 100% onsite at ...

We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Brake Test Engineer to support the development and validation of automotive brake calipers and brake control systems. This position will be 100% onsite at ...

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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer information

What does a freelance automotive test engineer do?

A Freelance Automotive Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating and validating automotive systems, components, or entire vehicles to ensure they meet industry standards and performance requirements. They design and execute test plans, analyze data, and provide recommendations for improvements. As freelancers, they work independently or on a contract basis for different clients, offering flexibility and specialized expertise for specific testing needs.

How does a freelance automotive test engineer typically collaborate with manufacturers and other engineers during a vehicle testing project?

As a Freelance Automotive Test Engineer, you’ll often work closely with OEMs, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams. Communication is key, as you are expected to coordinate test plans, share results, and provide feedback on vehicle performance and safety. Collaboration may involve regular meetings, remote updates, and on-site presence during critical testing phases. Building strong professional relationships helps you stay aligned with project goals while ensuring your findings are integrated into design or production decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance automotive test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Automotive Test Engineer, you need a solid background in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, and testing methodologies, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, and industry software such as MATLAB or CANalyzer is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and interpreting test results. These skills ensure accurate vehicle assessments, effective client interactions, and reliable test outcomes in a competitive, project-driven environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Automotive Test Engineer vs Automotive Test Technician?

AspectFreelance Automotive Test EngineerAutomotive Test Technician
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications in testing and automotive systemsTechnical diplomas or certifications in automotive technology or testing
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, client sites, testing labsAutomotive manufacturing plants, testing facilities, labs
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance/contract basis, automotive R&D companies, testing firmsAutomotive manufacturers, testing centers, OEMs

Freelance Automotive Test Engineers typically work independently on various testing projects, often across multiple clients, requiring specialized engineering knowledge. Automotive Test Technicians usually work within company facilities performing routine testing and diagnostics. Both roles involve automotive testing but differ mainly in employment type and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Automotive Test Automation Engineer

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$42.25 - $55.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Cognizant rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Role - Automotive Test Automation Engineer
Required Experience - 3+ Yrs. of Experience
Job Requirements:
The Automotive Test Automation Engineer is responsible for delivering a stable and representative test environment to perform automated testing and functional integration of distributed features. This engineer should be capable of working with various Engineering Support teams including systems, wiring, design release engineers, and software teams as required to validate electrical features on the bench and resolve any electrical issues before it gets to production to support successful vehicle launch.
Responsibilities
  1. Develop and execute functional test scenarios and test utilizing user stories contained within Agile Sprints.
  1. Interface with development and test teams to understand testing requirements and implement automated tests and related tools.
  1. Review project requirements to ensure requirements are testable.
  1. All test results following to the merge of related test codes in to Master to be logged (pass/fail), failures to be debugged to assess the root cause of failures allowing only valid defects to be entered into the defect tracking system, JIRA.
  1. Work with feature engineers to reproduce and troubleshoot defects found in the system.
  1. Participate in root cause analysis of hardware quality problems and software defects.
  1. Participate in system design, documentation, and testing to deliver a best in-class infotainment system.
  1. During sprint planning provide estimates on the amount of time needed to complete testing related tasks.
  1. Review hardware laboratory nodes and apply corrective and predictive maintenance processes to upkeep that the nodes are in satisfactory condition and functionality.
  1. Develop debugging process to identify errors in the scripts.
  1. Analyze the root cause of software failures to correctly prioritize them for subsequent fixing, providing timely validation rounds for both manual and automation.
  1. Contribute in enhancements towards automation development, optimizing, new feature validation, and testing for upcoming vehicle programs and testing efforts.
  1. Identify areas of improvement in all facets of testing and velocity tracking.
  1. Develop and maintain code, scripts, and tools designed to advance and expand test automation capabilities.
  1. Participate in code review sessions and execute automated tests, providing detailed feedback and comprehensive bug reports to ensure high-quality software and efficient testing workflows.

Qualifications Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a related field with emphasis on control systems
• Experience with data analysis, scripting and modeling & simulation of dynamic systems using Python, TestRail, Matlab, Simulink or Stateflow
• Experience with standard systems engineering tools including boundary diagrams, fault tree analyses, FMEAs, P-diagrams, etc.
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR standards and tools for automotive software development
• Problem-solving skills with a passion for new technology development
• Demonstrated effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage and balance multiple tasks and timelines
• Proven ability to work well with others as part of a diverse global team
• 3+ years experience in dynamic systems and embedded real-time controls development for automotive or similarly complex electromechanical systems, including C or C++
• Subject matter expertise in chassis (brakes, steering, suspension) system hardware and control
• Understanding of automotive powertrain systems and controls (including hybrids), with fundamental knowledge of dynamics, hydraulics, electric machines, batteries and mechatronics
Qualifications Preferred
• ADAS - Advanced Driver Assist Feature Testing Experience
• OTA - Over The Air Update Experience
• Test Bench Construction
Tools
  • Pycharm, VS Code, Squish, Chromium/Selenium, Appium, GCS, Hopscotch - Postman, and Matlab
  • Vector CANalyzer, VDR, VCM, CANAPE, CANOE, and Diagnostic Interface: ISO14229, 11Bit, max. 1MBaud
  • TestRail, JIRA Cloud, Github, Jenkins, JFROG, Grafana, Nexus, Confluence, Jama, ATI Vision, SAP, MIRO, Figma, MS Suite, Oracle, PowerBI, and Qliksense
  • Ford DET, ULT, DLT, Fenix-Fire, VADR, ORFIN, FDSP, FDRS, CVC, GVMS, PTS, IVS, eCats, SAVE, Watchdog, Mobile apps (Fordpass, Ford Pro), LLM (Ford AI Tools), and QUIP

Keywords: Automotive, Test Automation, Python, CAN
About Cognizant's IoT Practice:
Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things-but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
  • Applications will be accepted until Aug31 , 2026
  • LI#- #LI-SC6

Compensation & Benefits
$74,000 - $83,000 per year + Cost of Living Allowance
Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
Additional Information
  • Onsite role
  • ⚠️ Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Candidates requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

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