Automotive Key Programmer Jobs Near Me

This Automotive Engineering Technician role focuses on supporting vehicle performance development, testing, and validation within a dynamic engineering environment. You will work hands-on with complete vehicles, test equipment, and cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate acceleration performance, aerodynamics, thermal management, drivability, wind tunnel testing, and chassis dynamometer operations. In this position, you collect data, execute test procedures, and help validate vehicle performance requirements while contributing directly to advanced vehicle development programs.

• Support vehicle performance testing and validation activities across multiple vehicle programs.
• Set up, operate, and maintain test vehicles and associated test equipment to ensure reliable operation during evaluations.
• Assist with acceleration, thermal, aerodynamic, emissions, and drivability evaluations as part of vehicle development efforts.
• Support wind tunnel and chassis dynamometer testing operations, including test preparation, execution, and post-test activities.
• Collect, document, and organize test data using data acquisition systems and diagnostic tools for engineering analysis.
• Troubleshoot vehicle and test equipment issues that arise during development testing, applying strong mechanical and diagnostic skills.
• Prepare vehicles for testing, including installing, calibrating, and verifying instrumentation such as accelerometers, strain gauges, and other sensors.
• Follow established engineering test procedures, safety guidelines, and quality standards throughout all testing activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other technicians to support development programs, share findings, and resolve technical issues.
• Assist with maintaining test facilities, equipment, and vehicles to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Use tools such as oscilloscopes and automotive diagnostic equipment to support test execution and troubleshooting.
• Perform mechanical repair and adjustment tasks on test vehicles as needed to support ongoing test programs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, data collection practices, and facility operations.

• Hands-on automotive experience gained through education, professional work, racing, hobby projects, military experience, or related technical roles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and proven troubleshooting skills with vehicle systems and test equipment.
• Experience operating automotive diagnostic equipment, data acquisition systems, or related test equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed engineering test procedures and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for data organization, reporting, and communication.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced vehicle development environment with changing priorities.
• Automotive background, including experience as an automotive technician or in automotive mechanics and repair.
• Familiarity with automotive assembly and general mechanical practices.

• Associate's degree in Automotive Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Previous experience in a dealership or similar automotive service environment is beneficial.
• Automotive testing or vehicle development experience, particularly in performance and validation programs.
• Experience with chassis dynamometer testing, including performance, emissions, thermal, or aerodynamic evaluations.
• Vehicle instrumentation and data collection experience, including working with accelerometers, strain gauges, and oscilloscopes.
• Basic understanding of key vehicle systems, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and thermal systems.
• Ability to adapt to different vehicle programs and engineering groups and support a variety of test scenarios.

This role operates in a collaborative team environment where technicians and engineers work closely together on vehicle development activities. You will support a wide variety of vehicle programs and engineering groups, gaining exposure to complete vehicle testing and validation rather than focusing on a single subsystem. The position is highly hands-on, involving frequent interaction with vehicles, test facilities such as wind tunnels and chassis dynamometer labs, and cross-functional engineering teams. The work environment is fast-paced and technically focused, with an emphasis on safety, organized test operations, and professional conduct while working around vehicles, instrumentation, and test equipment.

This is a Contract position based out of Raymond, OH.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Raymond,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.