Optimal Inc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Optimal EV is seeking a Vehicle Integration & Validation Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, and validation of complete electric vehicle platforms.

This role is not limited to electrical systems. The engineer will work across mechanical, electrical, controls, charging, thermal, chassis, and vehicle-level systems to ensure the complete vehicle performs as intended and is ready for production release.

The ideal candidate should be hands-on and comfortable working directly on vehicles, identifying cross-functional issues, developing test procedures, and coordinating with different engineering teams to close issues through validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complete vehicle integration and validation testing.
• Validate both mechanical and electrical vehicle systems, including:
  • Chassis and suspension
  • Steering and braking
  • Powertrain and drivability
  • Regenerative braking
  • Mechanical mounting and component installation
  • High-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems
  • Vehicle controls and software functions
  • Thermal management and cooling systems
  • Charging and EVCC functionality
  • CAN communication and diagnostics
  • Body and auxiliary systems
• Support prototype vehicle builds and identifies integration issues between mechanical, electrical, and software systems.
• Perform road testing, functional testing, durability testing, and system-level validation.
• Evaluate vehicle performance, drivability, noise, vibration, thermal behavior, and overall vehicle operation.
• Develop test plans, test procedures, acceptance criteria, and validation reports.
• Perform regression testing after software, electrical, mechanical, or component changes.
• Support validation of new vehicle platforms and major engineering changes.
• Support the development and validation of the 700 V architecture and future vehicle platforms.
• Test charging functionality using AC chargers, DC fast chargers, and charging test equipment.
• Collect and analyze CAN logs, measurement data, and vehicle performance data.
• Reproduce production and field issues and lead or support root-cause investigation.
• Coordinate with Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Production, Quality, and Service teams to resolve vehicle-level issues.
• Work with suppliers to validate components and integrated vehicle systems.
• Support engineering release decisions by ensuring required validation is completed and documented.
• Support development and operation of vehicle test equipment and the Plymouth R&D test facility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Experience with automotive, commercial vehicle, or electric vehicle development.
• Strong hands-on mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability.
• Understanding of vehicle systems including chassis, powertrain, thermal, electrical, and controls.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with CAN communication and vehicle diagnostics.
• Experience using vehicle test and measurement equipment.
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines and take ownership of vehicle-level issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric or commercial vehicles.
• Experience with prototype vehicle builds and vehicle-level validation.
• Familiarity with suspension, braking, steering, chassis, and thermal systems.
• Experience with CAN, CANalyzer, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink.
• Knowledge of high-voltage EV systems.
• Experience with EV charging systems and charging communication protocols.
• Familiarity with UDS diagnostics and DTC troubleshooting.
• Experience with durability, road, environmental, or performance testing.

What Success Looks Like

• Mechanical, electrical, software, and controls systems are validated together as a complete vehicle.
• Integration problems are identified during engineering development rather than during production or customer operation.
• Every major engineering change has clear validation results before release.
• Prototype vehicles progress efficiently from build to test to production-ready status.
• Cross-functional issues are driven to closure instead of remaining between engineering departments.
• The company has a consistent and repeatable process to confirm that a vehicle is truly ready for production.