OTA/Cloud Validation Engineer - New Grad (December 2026)

Applied Intuition; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in Sunnyvale is seeking a New Grad OTA Validation Engineer to validate OTA updates on automotive ECUs and vehicles. This hands-on role suits early-career engineers who enjoy hardware, embedded systems, and software testing, with mentorship from senior validators.

You will design test cases, implement Python automation, and help maintain test rigs and logs. Collaborating with software and systems teams, you will validate vehicle function before and after OTA updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE or related field, graduating by Dec 2026.
• Basic Python and Linux command line skills.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities with embedded systems focus.
• Interest in automotive/EV sectors and safety/quality standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute OTA test cases on HIL benches and vehicles, including download, install, reboot, and rollback.
• Collaborate with systems and development teams to collect logs, reproduce defects, and verify fixes.
• Write and maintain Python-based automated test scripts to improve repeatability.
• Set up, configure, and maintain HIL environments and vehicle-integration rigs.
• Work with software and systems teams to validate vehicle function before and after OTA updates.
• Maintain clear, reusable test cases and document test results with traceability to requirements.

Skills

Python

Linux

Analytical thinking

Communication

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelors in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Git

CANoe

PCAN

Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company’s solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co.

We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions

About the Role

Applied Intuition is looking for a motivated New Grad OTA Validation Engineer to join our Validation team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates on automotive ECUs and vehicles. This role is ideal for early-career engineers who enjoy hands-on work with automotive hardware, embedded systems, and software testing, and who want to grow into automotive OTA domain experts. You will receive mentorship from senior validation engineers and gradually take on greater ownership of test plans and automation.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Execute & Program Test Cases: Design and execute test cases for OTA updates on HIL benches, lab vehicles, and prototype vehicles, including download, installation, reboot, and rollback workflows.

• Support Root Cause Analysis: Collaborate with systems and development teams to collect logs, reproduce defects, and verify fixes for OTA failures.

• Develop Test Automation: Write and maintain Python-based automated test scripts to improve test repeatability and reduce manual effort.

• Infrastructure Support: Assist in the setup, configuration, and maintenance of HIL environments and vehicle‑integration rigs.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software and systems teams to validate vehicle functionality before and after OTA updates.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear, reusable test cases, record test results, and maintain traceability to requirements.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Foundational Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating by December 2026.

• Technical Aptitude: Basic Python programming skills and familiarity with the Linux command line.

• Problem‑Solving Mindset: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an interest in embedded systems and automotive software testing.

• Passion for the Sector: A strong interest in the automotive or EV sectors and a commitment to maintaining high standards for safety and quality.

• Effective Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting technical findings and collaborating with teams.

Nice to have:

• Protocol Knowledge: Understanding of automotive network architectures and protocols like CAN, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet.

• Tool Familiarity: Experience with Vector CANoe, PCAN, or issue tracking tools (Jira, Polarion).

• Embedded Expertise: Experience with embedded Linux, Android, or QNX.

• Hands‑on Experience: Participation in extracurricular engineering projects like SAE/FSAE.

• Version Control: Git experience.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor.

Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference.

These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.

FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request.
If you require an accommodation please contact [e-mail]. We will work with you!