HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) Validation & Verification Engineer

Kickmaker; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

Profit-sharing

401(k) plan

Flexible schedule

Remote work option

Job summary

Kickmaker, a high-tech product design and industrialization agency, is expanding its EV test bench and vehicle integration team in the United States. The company values bold ideas, maker culture, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across embedded AI, high-tech manufacturing, and robotics.

The Test & Validation Engineer role focuses on developing, executing, and maintaining vehicle and bench testing procedures for ECUs and embedded systems, using CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer, LabVIEW, and IPEmotion

Qualifications

• Proven experience with Vector tools (CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer) in automotive environments.
• Proficient with National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW for test automation and data acquisition.
• Strong understanding of vehicle networks and embedded systems.
• Experience with IPEmotion for vehicle testing (preferred).
• Familiarity with ECU validation and vehicle system integration (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and maintain vehicle and bench testing procedures for ECUs and embedded systems.
• Use Vector tools (CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer) to simulate, monitor, and validate vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet).
• Perform data acquisition and analysis using National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, and vehicle integration) to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Prepare technical reports documenting test results, issues, and recommendations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for test procedures, automation, and instrumentation setups.

Skills

Vector tools

LabVIEW

Vehicle networks

Embedded systems

Problem solving

Tools

CANape

CANoe

CANalyzer

IPEmotion

NI hardware

Job description

Kickmaker is a high-tech product design and industrialization agency.

We support our customers from prototype to production run in our main vertical markets (medical, new mobility, electrification, agrotech, robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech manufacturing automation, eco-design, industrial design and WEB 3.0 for the economy of functionality).

We're evolving with a real maker culture! Passion, excitement and kindness are the pillars of KICKMAKER. This team and community spirit has enabled us to shape a unique corporate culture. Our approach: to enable everyone to fulfill their potential by working on exciting projects, and to encourage autonomy and initiative.

Present in France, China and the United States, our community counts over 250 passionate kickers and keeps growing. It is in this context that we are looking to strengthen our team in Boston, Seattle and San Fransisco.

We are seeking a highly skilled Test & Validation Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with vehicle network testing, ECU validation, and automated test bench development. You will work on cutting‑edge projects involving electric and conventional vehicles, ensuring the highest standards of system performance and reliability.

Whoweare?

AtKickmaker, wedon’tjust make products;

We bring bold ideas to life.

We'rea crew of 300+ engineers & experts (aka “Kickers”) obsessed with turning prototypes into reality, from robotics to medical devices to the next‑gen consumer gadgets. We move fast, think big, and keep it eco‑conscious.

We work with the dreamers and the disruptors — from fresh startups to global industry leaders — and we make sure innovation stays true to its purpose and values.

We’regrowing ourUSEngineering team:

The role involves mechanical design, prototyping, and testing of subassemblies that integrate actuators, motors, and electronics into high‑performance robotic mechanisms.

You will collaborate with electrical and software engineers to bring mechanical concepts to life,from CAD to bench testing to working robots.

Whatyou’lldo

Test & Validation Engineer – EV Test Benches & Vehicle Integration

Develop, execute, and maintain vehicle and bench testing procedures for ECUs and embedded systems.

Use Vector tools (CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer) to simulate, monitor, and validate vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet).

Perform data acquisition andanalysis using National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW software.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, and vehicle integration) to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.

Utilize IPEmotion (preferred).

Prepare technical reports documenting test results, issues, and recommendations.

Support continuous improvement initiatives for test procedures, automation, and instrumentation setups.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience with Vector tools (CANape, CANoe, CANalyzer) in automotive environments.
• Proficient with National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW for test automation and data acquisition.
• Strong understanding of vehicle networks and embedded systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with IPEmotion for vehicle testing.
• Familiarity with ECU validation and vehicle system integration.

Your adventure atKickmaker

AtKickmakeryou’llwork on 5–10 projects annually, choosing from a wide range ofindustries :from robotics, medical devices, fitness tech, and automotive, to micro‑mobility, beauty tech, sports exoskeletons, and AI-driven hardware.

Your path evolves with your curiosity: we help you grow where your professional ambitions and personal passions meet, always connected to the latest tech breakthroughs.

We offer a benefits package designed to support you and your family while keeping costs low. This includes health and welfare coverage, paid time off for rest and renewal, and a global profit‑share scheme (paid bi‑annually, based on company performance) so you share in our success. You can also join our 401(k) plan to invest in your future.

Flexibleworking :We believe flexibility makes us stronger. We offer alternative schedules and theoptionto work remotely for part of your week — supporting both your well‑being and work-life balance.

$95,000 - $115,000 a year

Our Culture & Spirit

Kickmakeris built by innovators, for innovators. Across our 10 innovation hubs we give you the tools to make your ideas happen.

Our KickmakerAssembly Lines (KAL)are 1,500m² playgrounds for hardware: 3D printers, CNC machines, welding stations, electronics benches, oscilloscopes, soldering gear, and more.It’swhere you can stay close to R&D, test ideas fast, and build anything from your current project… to that side projectyou’vebeen thinking about forever.

We believe innovation works best when people connect, so we organize activities for every type of personality: from quiet brainstorming sessions, bowling nights, kayak trips, tennis matches, and weekend adventures. At least four times a year, we gather teams to share ideas, create, and recharge.

Our vision is simple:build a space where innovators can explore, experiment, and push boundaries together.

Ifyou’recurious about our spirit and way of working (andyou’vegot a minute) check out this short video where Leonardo da Vinci “visits” Kickmaker.

Animage is worth a thousand words, and this one will give you the full vibe

Ifyou’veever looked at a product and thought, “I could build this better,”let’stalk. Send us your portfolio, GitHub, or even a wild side project. Surprise us.