Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity (In-Vehicle Systems)

ALTEN; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services firm is seeking a Senior Validation Engineer to validate cybersecurity in vehicle systems. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in automotive testing, strong skills in validation of security features like Secure Boot, and proficiency in automation scripting with tools like Python. This full-time position is based in the United States, primarily onsite in Newark, California, offering collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance vehicle security.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in automotive or embedded systems testing.
• Hands-on experience in automotive cybersecurity validation.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end cybersecurity validation of vehicle ECUs.
• Validate in-vehicle security features such as Secure Boot and encryption.
• Analyze and interpret software and system requirements.

Skills

Automotive cybersecurity validation

Validation of security features

Automation scripting (Python, Shell)

Debugging skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

CAN analyzers

Embedded Linux platforms

Job description

Title: Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity (In‑Vehicle Systems)

Location: Newark, CA / Southfield, MI

Duration: 12 Months (Possible Extension)

Onsite: 5 Days/Week

We are currently seeking a Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity to support the validation of in‑vehicle security systems across next‑generation electric vehicle platforms. This role requires an experienced professional with a strong background in automotive ECU validation, embedded security testing, and vehicle‑level cybersecurity.

The ideal candidate brings a hands‑on approach, strong analytical skills, and a passion for ensuring robust, secure, and production‑ready vehicle systems. You will work in a fast‑paced environment, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to validate security features across multiple ECUs and vehicle networks.

Role Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end cybersecurity validation of vehicle ECUs across domains (ADAS, infotainment, gateway, body control, etc.)
• Validate in‑vehicle security features such as Secure Boot, Secure Firmware Updates (OTA), authentication, encryption, and access control
• Analyze and interpret software and system requirements to ensure they are clear, testable, and aligned with cybersecurity standards
• Develop and execute comprehensive validation test plans, including scope, strategy, timelines, and resource planning
• Design and implement system‑level and vehicle‑level test cases for cybersecurity validation
• Perform penetration‑style validation and vulnerability assessments on ECUs and vehicle communication networks (CAN, Ethernet)
• Automate test cases using Python, Shell, or similar scripting languages to improve validation efficiency
• Utilize and enhance test automation frameworks, HIL/SIL setups, and stress testing tools
• Collaborate with development, security, and platform teams to identify, debug, and resolve security vulnerabilities
• Drive improvements in validation methodologies, tools, and overall product security quality

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in automotive or embedded systems testing, with a focus on ECU or vehicle‑level validation
• Hands‑on experience in automotive cybersecurity validation and embedded platform testing
• Strong knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and ECU communication protocols
• Experience validating security features such as Secure Boot, OTP fuses, Secure Update (OTA), JTAG access control, and hardware security modules
• Proficiency in automation scripting (Python, Shell, or equivalent)
• Experience developing and executing system‑level and vehicle‑level test cases
• Strong debugging skills with tools such as CAN analyzers, debuggers, and network sniffers
• Experience with embedded Linux platforms and validation in production‑like environments
• Familiarity with automation tools, HIL/SIL environments, and stress testing frameworks
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automotive cybersecurity standards (ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155)
• Knowledge of cryptographic protocols (PKI, TLS, secure key management)
• Experience with penetration testing tools and methodologies in automotive environments
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR architecture and secure ECU design
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for automated validation and testing