Functional Test Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Vehicle Test Engineer in Detroit, MI to lead on-highway engine and powertrain testing activities. You will install instrumentation, log data, and validate performance against requirements across diesel engine systems, with extensive travel for remote testing.

The role requires expertise in CANape/CANalyzer or INCA with MATLAB, plus a strong hands-on engineering background and teamwork within a union shop. Onsite work in Detroit is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of diesel engine and aftertreatment operations and emissions.
• Fundamentals in engineering thermodynamics.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing in diesel, combustion, or battery.
• Experience working within a Union shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot system-level performance failures and perform root cause analysis.
• Use Vector CANape to analyze calibration data and data logs.
• Write daily test activity reports and document issue escalations.
• Generate performance graphs, review validation results, and compile daily reports.
• Provide directions to achieve test objectives and collaborate with union technicians and drivers.

Skills

Powertrain testing

Instrumentation

Vector CANape

CANalyzer

INCA

MATLAB

Autonomous / self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering

Equivalent in Mechatronics/Electrical/Controls

Job description

Job Title: Vehicle Test Engineer

The position requires a comprehensive understanding of diesel engine combustion, aftertreatment, transmission, and control systems, along with skills in instrumentation installation and electrical troubleshooting. Candidates should be adept at data logging, analyzing system configurations, and validating performance requirements for engine systems of On-Highway trucks.

Essential Skills

• Powertrain testing and/or engine testing expertise.
• Hands-on automotive engineering experience, specifically in instrumentation.
• Proficiency with Vector CANape & CANalyzer or INCA & MATLAB.
• Ability to work autonomously as a self-starter.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot system-level performance failures and perform root cause failure analysis to prevent potential failures and identify areas for performance improvements.
• Utilize data analysis tools and diagnostics using Vector Products (CANape) to leverage calibration data.
• Write reports outlining daily test activities, document issue escalations, and maintain technical documentation.
• Generate performance graphs and histograms, identify data abnormalities, and review validation results to compile daily reports.
• Provide clear directions to achieve test objectives and maintain professional and social interactions in a multi-cultural environment.
• Travel 40% of the year for remote testing, particularly during summer and winter testing seasons.
• Communicate directions and submit work orders while working within a Union environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Automotive, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engine and aftertreatment operations and emissions.
• Fundamentals in engineering thermodynamics.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing in diesel, combustion, or battery.
• Experience working within a Union shop environment.

Work Environment

This position is an onsite role that requires extensive travel for vehicle testing, with expectations of 40% travel during summer and winter testing seasons. Testing typically involves being on the road for two weeks and back for two weeks. The role demands flexible working hours, particularly during the testing season, where overtime is expected. The work environment is dynamic, requiring effective communication and collaboration with union technicians and drivers involved in the vehicle test process.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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 [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.