Embedded Software Test Engineer

RFA Engineering; Chillicothe (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Dental Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Bonus Plan

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Job summary

RFA Engineering is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our team onsite at a world-class manufacturing facility. The role focuses on HIL validation for embedded control systems, with emphasis on dSPACE-based test environments, system-level verification, and automation.

You will develop tests, scripts, and data acquisition solutions, analyze results, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable ECU software performance throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering or relevant field.
• 2+ years of demonstrated software development or testing experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and self-motivated.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and document Hardware-in-the-Loop validation strategies for embedded control systems.
• Configure and maintain HIL test environments using dSPACE and Vector.
• Design and maintain automated test scripts and data acquisition solutions.
• Analyze test results and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive corrective actions.
• Support V&V activities throughout product lifecycle.

Skills

C/C++

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

HIL testing

CAN/J1939

Vector tools

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS / SE / EE or relevant field

Tools

dSPACE

Vector tools

CAN tools

ECU validation

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includesopportunitiesfor professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Embedded Software Engineer

This position will develop, execute, and automate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation activities for embedded control systems. The role focuses on dSPACE -based test environments, system-level verification, automation, and troubleshooting of electronic control software and hardware .

Responsibilities

• D evelop, execute, and document Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation strategies, test plans, and procedures for embedded control systems, ECUs, and vehicle-level software features to ensure compliance with functional and performance requirements.

Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot HIL test environments utilizing dSPACE, Vector, and related simulation platforms, including integration of plant models, communication networks, and test automation frameworks.

Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts, validation tools, and data acquisition solutions using industry-standard software and scripting languages to improve test coverage, repeatability, and overall validation efficiency.

Analyze test results, identify software and system-level defects, perform root cause investigations, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to drive corrective actions and resolution of complex integration issues.

Validate embedded software interactions with sensors, actuators, communication networks, and vehicle subsystems, ensuring reliable operation under normal, boundary, and fault conditions.

Support verification and validation activities throughout the product development lifecycle, including requirements reviews, test case development, traceability analysis, regression testing, and release readiness assessments.

Generate detailed validation reports, test summaries, and technical documentation, clearly communicating findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering or relevant field required.
• 2 + years of demonstrated software development or testing experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, quick learner, with an any-problem-can-be-solved attitude.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to identify needed actions and act to resolve issues.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.

Desired Attributes

• Verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components
• Basic knowledge of the full software development lifecycle: from business/systems analysis, through requirements gathering and functional specification authoring, to development, testing and delivery.
• Basic ability to troubleshoot issues and make system changes as needed to resolve issue.
• Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software. Solid programming experience in C or C++
• Knowledge of computer development software as it relates to embedded systems, such as SQL, VisualBasic, etc.
• Strong hands-on experience with dSPACE HIL systems, ECU validation, and embedded controls testing.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and model-based development concepts.
• Experience with Python automation, test scripting, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of CAN/J1939, UDS diagnostics, Vector tools, and hardware troubleshooting/debugging.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $75,000-$115,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

Qualifications

Skills

Required

Soft - LIN Bus

Novice

Soft - CAN Bus

Some Knowledge

Soft - Agile

Some Knowledge

Intermediate

Behaviors

Preferred

Team Player

Team Player

: Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented

Detail Oriented

: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

:

Motivations

:

Education

Preferred

Bachelors of Science or better in Computer Engineering or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Computer Science or related field.

Bachelors of Science or better in Electrical Engineering.

Bachelors of Science or better in Software Engineering.

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.