Title: Engineering Technician – Vehicle Systems Test & Validation
Location: Palo Alto, CA (Onsite)
Rate :: On C2C
What You’ll Bring
• 2+ years of experience as an automotive or engineering technician, or equivalent hands-on technical background
• Strong QA and testing philosophy with a detail-oriented, methodical approach to documentation and issue tracking
• Proficiency with wiring, sensor installation, and checkout; ability to diagnose basic electrical and wiring issues
• Familiarity with issue tracking software (e.g., JIRA, TeamCenter) and basic computer skills for test reporting
• Ability to deconstruct and analyze firmware and vehicle system capabilities from the customer’s perspective to identify potential vulnerabilities
• Strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to creatively resolve mechanical and electromechanical problems • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends, overtime, and occasional travel (~15%) to support test campaigns at facilities
Education
• Associate’s degree in automotive technology, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field; OR ASE Certification; OR equivalent combination of training and experience Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working on battery electric vehicles (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV/PHEV) platforms
• Hands-on experience with Linux terminal commands and scripting for diagnostics
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, CAN bus, UDS, and vehicle communication protocols
• Aspiration to develop software skills with potential to transition into a software-focused engineering role
• Fabrication, prototyping, and custom wiring/harness build experience
• Professional motorsport or race team experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or technology discipline
What You’ll Do Software & Firmware Validation
• Test prototype firmware and software features across existing and new vehicle platforms, including infotainment UI, SYNC system software, and underlying vehicle controls
• Troubleshoot infotainment and system software firmware issues; develop detailed reproduction steps and escalation documentation
• Execute commands and scripts in Linux terminal environments to diagnose issues and gather diagnostic data
• Precisely document test cases, improvements, and troubleshooting steps with a focus on continuous quality improvement Vehicle Hardware Testing & Instrumentation
• Build, instrument, and test automotive prototype vehicles, systems, and subsystems for validation across dynamics, durability, performance, and NVH disciplines
• Install, service, and verify instrumentation systems, wire harnesses, and sensor arrays for data acquisition
• Drive engineering prototypes to acquire test data across controlled and real-world conditions
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to identify potential assembly, integration, and service issues early in the development cycle Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work efficiently with multidisciplinary engineering teams spanning hardware, software, and vehicle integration
• Solve data acquisition problems alongside a dedicated group of engineers and technicians • Communicate findings clearly and proactively to support rapid iteration on vehicle programs