Functional ECU Applications Engineer

Actalent; Saline (MI); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

PTO (paid time off)

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Electronics Applications Engineer to join the Integrated Vehicle Systems group in Saline, MI, focusing on functional ECU and smart security applications. You will plan structures, ensure process adherence, and collaborate with global teams to drive next‑gen cockpit electronics from concept to SOP.

The role requires 6+ years in mid/large-scale electronic systems development, ECU communication experience, and strong presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, robotics engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent.
• 6+ years of experience developing mid/large-scale electronic systems from concept to production.
• 1-2 years of experience with basic electrical architecture and vehicle ECU communication (CAN, CAN‑FD, LIN).
• Fundamental knowledge of circuitry.
• Experience with development quality tools such as DFMEA and FTA.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Clear and concise presentation skills, both written and oral.
• Willingness to work overtime up to 10%.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 5%.

Responsibilities

• Plan the structure of parts and systems through target setting, packaging, electrical interface definition, parameter setting, and style feasibility.
• Ensure adherence to processes, meet deadlines, and produce error-free output for parts development.
• Identify and develop products through project milestones with related groups.
• Develop electronic parts for concurrent minor and major changes.
• Improve group operations, processes, and project visualization to enhance quality of output.
• Innovate to improve customer experience.
• Gain knowledge of parts, competitors, and customers to transform them into proposals and designs.
• Benchmark competitor vehicles and technologies to propose next-generation parts/systems.
• Create and maintain part development schedules through Start of Production (SOP).
• Conduct schedule negotiations within Electronics Systems and with suppliers.
• Assess and develop risk management activities to meet targets (performance, cost, mass, quality, UX).
• Participate in evaluation and manufacturing activities domestically and internationally.
• Communicate with engineering staff and international counterparts.
• Support and grow development of electrical systems.
• Work with local and international engineers on Cockpit Electronics for future vehicles.
• Lead creation of performance and functional specs for Cockpit Electronics.
• Collaborate with customers and engineers to solve issues and conduct joint testing.
• Mentor junior engineers in electrical system development.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Willingness to learn

Time management

Presentation skills

Willingness to travel

ECU communication protocols (CAN, CAN‑

Team leadership

Education

B.S. in mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, or equivalent

Tools

DFMEA

FTA

Job description

Job Title: Functional ECU and Smart Security Applications Engineer

Job Description

The Integrated Vehicle Systems (IVS) Department is seeking a passionate and highly motivated Electronics Applications Engineer to join our team in shaping the future of mobility through the development of next-generation vehicle electronics systems. You will play a pivotal role in creating electronics-related components for vehicle-specific applications, including ECUs and wireless communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan the structure of parts and systems through target setting, packaging, electrical interface definition, parameter setting, and style feasibility.

• Ensure adherence to department processes, meet deadlines, and produce error-free output for parts development.

• Identify and develop products through project milestones in collaboration with related groups.

• Develop electronic parts for concurrent minor and major changes.

• Take initiative to improve group operations, processes, and project visualization to enhance quality of output.

• Innovate to improve customer experience.

• Gain knowledge of parts, competitors, and customers to transform them into innovative proposals and designs.

• Benchmark competitor vehicles, consumer electronics, and technologies to propose next-generation parts/systems.

• Create and maintain part development schedules through to Start of Production (SOP).

• Conduct schedule negotiations within the Electronics Systems department and with suppliers.

• Assess and develop risk management activities to maintain project targets such as performance, cost, mass, quality, and user experience.

• Participate in evaluation and manufacturing activities both domestically and internationally.

• Communicate with various engineering staff and facilitate regular communication with international counterparts.

• Support and develop growth in developing electrical systems.

• Work with local and international development engineers on Cockpit Electronics for future vehicles.

• Lead creation of performance and functional specifications for Cockpit Electronics.

• Collaborate with local customers and engineers to solve issues and conduct joint testing.

• Mentor junior engineers in the development of electrical systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, robotics engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent.

• Proven ability to manage mid/large scale projects and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.

• Willingness to learn new systems and processes.

• Proficiency in MS Office tools: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

• More than 6 years of experience in the development of mid-size or large-scale electronic systems from concept through production.

• 1-2 years of experience with basic electrical architecture and vehicle ECU communication through protocols like CAN, CAN-FD, and LIN.

• Fundamental knowledge of circuitry.

• Experience with development quality tools such as DFMEA and FTA.

• Good time management and task prioritization skills.

• Clear and concise presentation skills, both written and oral.

• Willingness to work overtime, up to 10% of the time.

• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally, up to 5% of the time.

Work Environment

The role involves working closely with local and international teams, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively. The position may require domestic and international travel, and occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The work environment is dynamic and offers opportunities for innovation and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saline, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 7, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saline,MI.

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 [e-mail] 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.