Functional Test Engineer

Actalent; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Vehicle Test Engineer to support development and validation of advanced powertrain systems for on-highway trucks. The role combines hands-on vehicle testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and performance validation of diesel engines and powertrain tech.

You will work with technicians and engineers to drive test plans, analyze results, and implement improvements based on CANape/CANalyzer/INCA data. The position is based in Detroit, MI with field testing across North America.

Qualifications

• Experience with engine testing, powertrain testing, or vehicle validation testing.
• Hands-on automotive engineering experience, including instrumentation and data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support vehicle test activities focused on diesel engines, aftertreatment systems, transmissions, and controls.
• Troubleshoot vehicle and powertrain performance issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Install and validate test instrumentation and support electrical troubleshooting activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret vehicle data using CAN-based diagnostic and calibration tools.
• Generate performance reports, graphs, and validation summaries to communicate test results.
• Identify system concerns, elevate issues, and recommend performance improvements.
• Work closely with technicians, drivers, and engineering teams to achieve testing objectives.
• Support remote summer and winter testing programs across North America.

Skills

Engine testing

Powertrain testing

Automotive instrumentation

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering

Tools

CANape

CANalyzer

INCA

MATLAB

Job description

We're seeking a Vehicle Test Engineer to support the development and validation of advanced powertrain systems for on-highway trucks. This hands-on role combines vehicle testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and performance validation, offering the opportunity to work directly with cutting-edge diesel engine and powertrain technologies.

If you enjoy being in the field, analyzing vehicle performance, and driving engineering improvements from test data, this is a great opportunity to make a tangible impact.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support vehicle test activities focused on diesel engines, aftertreatment systems, transmissions, and controls.
• Troubleshoot vehicle and powertrain performance issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Install and validate test instrumentation and support electrical troubleshooting activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret vehicle data using CAN-based diagnostic and calibration tools.
• Generate performance reports, graphs, and validation summaries to communicate test results.
• Identify system concerns, elevate issues, and recommend performance improvements.
• Work closely with technicians, drivers, and engineering teams to achieve testing objectives.
• Support remote summer and winter testing programs across North America.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Experience with engine testing, powertrain testing, or vehicle validation testing.
• Hands-on automotive engineering experience, including instrumentation and data acquisition.

Proficiency With

• Vector CANape and/or CANalyzer
• INCA
• MATLAB
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage testing activities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering.

Strong Understanding Of

• Diesel combustion systems
• Aftertreatment systems and emissions controls
• Engine control systems
• Engineering thermodynamics
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing.
• Experience working in a union manufacturing or testing environment.

Travel & Schedule

This role offers the opportunity to participate in extensive real-world vehicle testing programs.

• Approximately 40% travel annually
• Summer testing season: 6-18 weeks
• Winter testing season: 6-18 weeks
• Typical rotation: 2 weeks on the road / 2 weeks home
• Overtime expected during testing seasons (approximately 200-400 hours annually)

Why Join Us?

• Work on next-generation commercial vehicle technologies.
• Gain exposure to advanced diesel and powertrain development programs.
• Participate in high-profile field testing initiatives across diverse operating environments.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers, technicians, and industry experts.
• Play a direct role in improving vehicle performance, quality, and reliability.

Top Skills

• Engine Testing
• Powertrain Testing
• Automotive Instrumentation
• CANape / CANalyzer / INCA
• Data Analysis & Diagnostics
• Root Cause Analysis
• Self-Starter / Independent Contributor

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Detroit, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $42.00/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).

Job Type & Location

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,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.