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Hardware Validation Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Validation Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$115K - $192K/yr

The engineer in this role will develop and maintain electronic control unit (ECU) simulations at ... Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing methodologies. * Experience with containers, cloud ...

Telematics Validation Engineer What We Can Offer A thoughtfully designed employee experience that ... Learn and adapt to new software, hardware tools, and technologies * Work cross functionally across ...

The engineer in this role will develop and maintain electronic control unit (ECU) simulations at ... Troubleshoot virtual ECU hardware and software integration issues. * Develop and maintain ...

Telematics Validation Engineer What We Can Offer A thoughtfully designed employee experience that ... Learn and adapt to new software, hardware tools, and technologies * Work cross functionally across ...

Showing results 21-40

Hardware Validation Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$19

$45

$68

How much do hardware validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware validation engineer in Michigan is $45.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $55.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware validation engineer do?

A Hardware Validation Engineer is responsible for testing and verifying that electronic hardware components and systems meet design specifications and function correctly. They develop and execute test plans, analyze test results, and troubleshoot hardware issues. Their work ensures that products are reliable, safe, and ready for mass production. Hardware Validation Engineers often collaborate with design, development, and manufacturing teams to identify and resolve problems early in the product lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware validation engineer?

To excel as a Hardware Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, hardware testing methodologies, and a relevant degree such as a B.S. in Electrical or Computer Engineering. Familiarity with validation tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl), as well as experience with hardware simulation and test automation frameworks, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify, troubleshoot, and document issues efficiently. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of hardware products before they reach end users.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware validation engineers during the product testing phase?

Hardware Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying elusive or intermittent hardware bugs, ensuring compatibility with various software and peripheral devices, and meeting tight project deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including design, firmware, and manufacturing—can require strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving test protocols and quickly understanding new hardware architectures are essential for success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Hardware Validation Engineer vs Hardware Test Engineer?

AspectHardware Validation EngineerHardware Test Engineer
Primary FocusVerifying hardware functionality and compliance through validation processesExecuting tests to identify hardware defects and performance issues
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of validation protocols, testing tools, and industry standardsProficiency in testing procedures, diagnostic tools, and hardware troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, validation labs, R&D departmentsTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceElectronics, consumer electronics, hardware manufacturing

While both roles involve testing hardware components, the Hardware Validation Engineer focuses on comprehensive validation and compliance, ensuring products meet specifications before release. The Hardware Test Engineer primarily conducts tests to detect defects and verify performance during development and production stages.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Validation Engineer job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,265 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Virtual Validation Engineer

Dearborn, MI • On-site, Remote

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$115K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 528 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
The engineer in this role will develop and maintain electronic control unit (ECU) simulations at multiple abstraction levels (Level 4 target-native hardware emulation and Level 3 host-native simulations). You will work as a member of a team delivering virtual ECU prototyping solutions to software and control systems engineers within our product development teams. Additionally, you will collaborate with simulation tool vendors and suppliers to resolve issues and implement methodologies for heterogeneous simulation environments.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Evaluate technologies and methods for integration of simulations and virtual ECU platforms.
  • Troubleshoot virtual ECU hardware and software integration issues.
  • Develop and maintain simulation tools and environments for automotive applications.
  • Develop scripts to automate the building and running of virtual test environments.
  • Assist software development and testing teams with adopting and using virtual ECU environments.
  • Plan out project roadmap and participate in project management decisions.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in developing simulation or virtualization frameworks, or equivalent experience in system programming (e.g., embedded systems, RTOS, hardware controllers, etc).
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python or similar scripting language.
  • Experience working in Agile development environments.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.

Even better, you may have:
  • Experience in developing instruction-level or cycle-accurate simulation tools and environments.
  • Exposure to co-simulation and multi-domain simulation tools, integrating multiple simulators.
  • Familiarity with automotive ECUs, control systems, and communication protocols.
  • Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing methodologies.
  • Experience with containers, cloud, and batch computing platforms.
  • Experience in embedded development and hardware bring-up.
    You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
    As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
    • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
    • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
    • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
    • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
    • Tuition assistance
    • Established and active employee resource groups
    • Paid time off for individual and team community service
    • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
    • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
    This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600., This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $115,000-$192,900.
    Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
    For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
    Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
    Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
    This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.
    #LI-Hybrid
    #LI-VO1

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