Applications Engineer

Leidos; Walled Lake (MI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Defense Systems Sector is seeking an Entry-Level Applications Engineer to join our automotive test systems team. You will work with OEM customers to install, commission, and support vehicle test platforms, bridging engineering and customer needs while learning from experienced engineers.

This role requires a basics in Electrical/Software Engineering, strong problem solving, communication, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally to customer sites.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related field with <2 years experience.
• Basic understanding of computer networking concepts (IP addressing, TCP/IP, network troubleshooting).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to engage clients and collaborate across disciplines.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to change.
• Ability to travel to customer locations domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and commission automotive test systems at manufacturing facilities.
• Partner with customers to design and improve vehicle manufacturing and testing processes.
• Validate ECUs and vehicle systems at facilities or offsite in a lab setting.
• Perform diagnostic testing on vehicles.
• Create and maintain software programs and scripts to test vehicle electrical functionality.
• Design, develop, and document tools that support deployment, setup, configuration, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and enhance existing software and hardware solutions.
• Support integration of test systems within customer IT and plant network infrastructures.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve production efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Travel to customer sites (domestic and occasional international) for installations, support, and process development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering

Tools

CANalyzer

CANoe

Vector tools

Scan tools

Python

C#

C++

Java

HTML/CSS

SQL

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Dynetics, a Leidos Company, is seeking a motivated Entry-Level Applications Engineer to join our team. We are looking for someone who brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn. The ideal candidate is flexible in a fast-paced environment, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and motivated to take initiative when solving problems. As an Applications Engineer, you will serve as a key link between our engineering teams and our customers. You will help support product implementation, assist with system integration and troubleshooting, and ensure customer requirements are clearly understood and successfully executed. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers who will provide mentorship and guidance as you build technical expertise and confidence.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Primary Responsibilities.

• Work directly with automotive OEM customers to develop, install, and commission automotive test systems at manufacturing facilities.
• Partner with customers to design and improve vehicle manufacturing and testing processes.
• Support validation of ECUs and vehicle systems either at the manufacturing facilities or offsite in a lab setting
• Perform diagnostic testing on vehicles
• Create and maintain software programs and scripts to test vehicle electrical functionality.
• Design, develop, and document tools that support product deployment, setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and enhance existing software and hardware solutions used in automotive manufacturing and engineering environments.
• Support integration of test systems within customer IT and plant network infrastructures.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve production efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Travel to customer sites (domestic and occasional international) for installations, support, and process development.

Basic Qualifications.

• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience) with less than two years of relevant professional experience
• Basic understanding of computer networking concepts (IP addressing, TCP/IP, network troubleshooting)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to engage clients and collaborate across disciplines
• Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to change
• Ability to travel to customer locations both domestically and internationally

Preferred Qualifications.

• Understanding of Vehicle diagnostics (OBD-II systems, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services, CAN, LIN)
• Experience with diagnostic tools such as (CANalyzer / CANoe, Vector tools, Scan tools)
• Basic knowledge of HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) systems, Vehicle test benches, Environmental testing
• Foundational knowledge of software programming (e.g., Python, C#, C++, Java, HTML/CSS, PHP, SQL or similar).
• Ability to analyze data logs
• Foreign language preferred (Spanish, French, etc.)
• Familiarity with web-based applications, servers, APIs, and database management systems
• Experience with Operating systems such as Windows, Linux as well as using command-line interfaces, including Command Prompt (CMD), Windows PowerShell, etc.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 3, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.