Prototype Development Engineer

Compunnel, Inc.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Compunnel, Inc. is seeking a Prototype Development Engineer to bridge concept and reality, supporting Labcars, HIL benches, and prototype vehicles. You will drive hardware‑software integration, validation, and test asset development for next‑gen EV architectures.

You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams to execute test plans, develop strategies, and ensure robust system performance across multiple hardware and software iterations. Travel up to 75% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Software Engineering.
• 5+ years of hardware‑software integration or vehicle systems engineering.
• 5+ years with CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• 3+ years using embedded networking tools (CANalyzer, CANoe, Wireshark, VSPY3).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and PCB assemblies; write formal test plans.
• Experience with CAD tools and automotive EE testing for test asset validation.
• Willingness to travel 25‑75% for builds and off‑site testing.

Responsibilities

• Support Labcars, HIL benches, and prototype vehicles development and commissioning.
• Install components, system wiring, module software flashing, and network debugging (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Triage electrical and software integration issues using deep‑dive analysis.
• Develop test strategies and perform regression testing across hardware/software iterations.
• Coordinate with Systems Integration to identify design changes between build phases.
• Provide hands‑on support during prototype builds and off‑site testing.
• Maintain records of module status, hardware revisions, and integration maturity.
• Leverage CAD tools and ME/EE knowledge to support test asset validation.

Skills

Embedded networking

HW-SW integration

Vehicle systems

PCB schematics

Test planning

Python scripting

CAD tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/ME/CS

Tools

CANalyzer

CANoe

Wireshark

VSPY3

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

As a Prototype Development Engineer, you will be the bridge between conceptual design and physical reality. You will support the bring‑up, integration, and maintenance of critical test assets, including advanced Labcars and prototype vehicles. This is a high‑impact role where you will collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams and technicians to ensure our next‑generation electric vehicle (EV) architectures are validated and ready for the future of mobility. You won’t just be maintaining hardware; you will be driving the launch of Ford’s most ambitious vehicle platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and commissioning of Labcars, HIL (Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop) benches, and prototype vehicles.
• Perform and oversee component installation, complex wiring, module software flashing, and network debugging (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
• Troubleshoot and triage complex electrical and software integration issues, utilizing deep‑dive analysis to resolve roadblocks during build events.
• Develop comprehensive test strategies to validate full‑system functionality; perform rigorous regression testing to ensure system stability and performance consistency across multiple hardware and software iterations.
• Interface with Systems Integration teams to identify design changes between build phases and support iterative development cycles.
• Provide hands‑on support during prototype build events, fleet management activities, and off‑site testing.
• Maintain rigorous records of module status, hardware revisions, and integration maturity to provide clear visibility to stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design and development of test assets by leveraging CAD tools and cross‑discipline (ME + EE) knowledge to support both electrical and mechanical validation needs.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Software Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of hands‑on experience in hardware‑software integration, board bring‑up, or vehicle systems engineering.
• Network Expertise: 5+ years of experience with vehicle communication protocols, specifically CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Tooling: 3+ years of experience using embedded networking interface tools (e.g., CANalyzer, CANoe, Wireshark, VSPY3, or similar).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics and PCB assemblies. Experience writing and executing formal test plans with clear go/no‑go criteria. Strong understanding of Embedded Systems fundamentals.
• CAD & Test Engineering: Experience with CAD authoring tools and hands‑on automotive EE testing, with the ability to support the design (both mechanical and electrical) of test assets.
• Travel: Ability to travel 25%-75% to support vehicle builds and off‑site testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Knowledge: Advanced vehicle architecture.
• Specialized EV Experience: Working knowledge of battery management systems (BMS), motor calibration, OBD diagnostics, and functional safety (ISO 26262).
• Data Acquisition: Experience instrumenting sensor systems and using DAQ tools for high‑fidelity data analysis.
• Prototype Development & Technical Skills: Hands‑on support in prototype development, including CAD (CATIA or similar), PCB design (Altium or similar), HV/LV test asset design, harness fabrication and debugging, scripting (Python or similar), and test automation.