Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

About A&D Engineering

Launch your engineering career where vehicles, batteries, and cutting-edge testing come together.

At A&D Technology, we design and deliver advanced testing systems that help the world’s leading automotive and energy companies build the next generation of vehicles—from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains and battery systems. With over 30 years of experience and 1,000+ installations worldwide, we’re at the forefront of test automation, simulation, and lab management solutions.

If you’re excited about solving real-world engineering challenges—and want to see your work come to life in customer labs—this is a great place to start.

What You’ll Do

As an Applications Engineer, you’ll bridge the gap between engineering and real-world implementation. You won’t just design—you’ll build, test, troubleshoot, and bring systems online.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Aid in development and configuration of software and hardware solutions for battery, engine, and vehicle development and validation test systems
• Help commission test stands and labs—setup instrumentation, tune control loops, and verify performance
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues in real-world environments
• Work directly with customers to deploy systems and ensure successful startups
• Provide hands-on training and support to customers at their sites
• Partner with project managers to keep projects on track (scope, timing, and budget)
• Support product demos, trade shows, and internal innovation efforts

Travel & Field Experience

This role includes significant travel to customer locations throughout North America. For the right person, that's one of the best parts of the job. You'll get to:

• Visit a wide variety of customer facilities and engineering environments
• Work alongside engineers developing advanced vehicle and battery technologies
• Solve challenging technical problems in real-world applications
• Build strong customer relationships and professional experience early in your career
• Experience a level of variety and responsibility rarely available in entry-level roles

If you enjoy being on the move, learning new systems, and working in different environments rather than sitting behind the same desk every day, you'll thrive here

Why This Role is Great for Early-Career Engineers

This isn't a role where you'll spend years behind a desk before seeing the impact of your work. You'll be in the field, working with cutting-edge technology and helping customers bring test systems online. You'll gain exposure to:

• Real-world engineering challenges from day one
• Battery, engine, and vehicle testing technologies
• Software, controls, electrical systems, instrumentation, and mechanical integration
• Customer-facing engineering experience that accelerates professional growth
• Travel opportunities to customer facilities across North America and beyond

No two weeks look the same. One day you might be troubleshooting a control system in Michigan, and the next you could be helping commission a battery test lab at a customer site. If you enjoy variety, hands-on work, and seeing different industries and locations, this role offers experiences many engineers don't get until much later in their careers

What Makes People Successful Here

The engineers who thrive in this role are naturally curious, adaptable, and enjoy solving real-world problems. They are often the people who:

• Like figuring out how things work and aren't afraid to take things apart to understand them
• Enjoy building, repairing, modifying, or restoring things—whether that's cars, motorcycles, electronics, robots, or personal projects
• Think analytically while approaching challenges creatively
• Enjoy troubleshooting and don't give up when the answer isn't immediately obvious
• Adapt well to new environments, customer sites, and changing priorities
• Like working directly with people and helping customers solve problems
• Prefer a dynamic role that combines engineering, field work, and travel rather than sitting behind a desk every day

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or similar) or equivalent experience
• Understanding of basic electrical and mechanical systems
• Familiarity with Windows Operating Systems, Microsoft Tools, and basic networking

You'll Stand Out If You Have

• Internship, co-op, or hands-on engineering project experience
• Participation in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics competitions, capstone projects, or similar programs
• Experience with testing, controls, instrumentation, data acquisition, or automation systems
• Familiarity with troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, or software systems
• Interest in automotive, electrification, battery testing, or energy technologies
• Basic experience with networking or industrial communications
• Experience working directly with customers, teammates, or cross-functional groups
• Strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset

What We Do (and Why It Matters)

A&D Technology creates integrated systems for measurement, control, simulation, and data management used in vehicle and battery development. [aanddtech.com]

Our solutions help customers:

• Improve vehicle performance and durability
• Accelerate EV and battery innovation
• Automate complex testing processes
• Provide tools to make faster, data-driven engineering decisions
• You’ll be part of the team making that happen.

Work Environment

This role combines office, lab, and on-site work:

• Hands-on work in test labs and engineering environments
• Significant travel to customer locations – 60% travel
• Active, collaborative work with cross-functional teams

A Few Things to Know

This role is physically active at times (equipment setup, lab work)

You’ll be working around test systems, instrumentation, and technical environments

Strong safety awareness and attention to detail are essential