Test Engineer

Actalent; Chelsea (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Chelsea, MI is seeking a Powertrain Emissions Test Engineer to develop, execute, and validate diagnostic and emissions test procedures for vehicle powertrain systems. You will ensure proper triggering of the Check Engine Light, fault detection, and reporting, while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams.

The role emphasizes CARB compliance, data collection of environmental variables, MATLAB-based modeling, engine dynamometer and road testing to evaluate GPF

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with test equipment for automotive or powertrain applications.
• Strong background in test engineering, including test procedure development, test planning, and test execution.
• Proven ability to write detailed and repeatable test procedures for diagnostic and emissions validation.
• Experience with emissions testing and CARB-related compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of diagnostic testing for powertrain systems, including fault detection, fault code reporting, and Check Engine Light logic.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test procedures to validate triggering of the Check Engine Light.
• Define enable conditions, test logic, and fault-detection boundaries.
• Collect environmental data during fault activation (e.g., temperature, altitude, speed).
• Validate diagnostic fault codes and P-codes reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust tests and alignment with requirements.
• Ensure CARB compliance of diagnostic data and documentation.
• Coordinate test activities with proving grounds and technical centers.
• Use MATLAB modeling to support diagnostic logic development and validation.
• Perform engine dynamometer and road tests to evaluate emissions performance.
• Analyze data to identify trends and calibration opportunities.
• Use simulations to predict GPF performance and optimize calibration strategies.
• Troubleshoot GPF performance and emissions issues with corrective actions.

Skills

Test engineering

Emissions testing

Data analysis

MATLAB modeling

Cross-functional teamwork

Tools

MATLAB

Engine dynamometer

Emission test equipment

Job description

Job Title: Powertrain Emissions Test EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on developing, executing, and validating comprehensive diagnostic and emissions test procedures for vehicle powertrain systems. You will ensure proper triggering of the Check Engine Light, accurate fault detection and reporting, and compliance with CARB and emissions standards, while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams and leveraging control systems knowledge and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive test procedures to validate proper triggering of the Check Engine Light across vehicle systems.

• Define and implement enable conditions, test logic, boundary conditions, and decision logic for fault detection in powertrain and diagnostic systems.

• Ensure vehicle systems collect relevant environmental and operational data, such as temperature, altitude, and speed, upon fault activation.

• Validate that diagnostic systems correctly identify and report fault codes, including ensuring transmission sensor failures report accurate P-codes.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure diagnostic tests are robust, repeatable, and aligned with customer and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure all diagnostic data, test procedures, and documentation meet CARB compliance and emissions standards.

• Work cross-functionally with teams at test and engineering facilities, including proving grounds and technical centers, to coordinate test activities and share results.

• Utilize control systems knowledge and MATLAB modeling to support diagnostic logic development, simulation, and validation.

• Conduct engine dynamometer and vehicle road tests to evaluate gasoline particulate filter (GPF) performance and overall emissions compliance.

• Analyze complex emissions and diagnostic data sets to identify trends, correlations, anomalies, and opportunities for calibration or design improvements.

• Utilize simulation tools to predict GPF performance and optimize calibration strategies for emissions and regeneration behavior.

• Troubleshoot issues related to GPF performance, regeneration, and emissions, and recommend corrective actions.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engine controls, emissions, and aftertreatment engineers, to integrate diagnostic and emissions strategies.

• Prepare clear and concise technical reports, test plans, test procedures, and documentation to communicate findings and recommendations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with test equipment for automotive or powertrain applications.

• Strong background in test engineering, including test procedure development, test planning, and test execution.

• Proven ability to write detailed and repeatable test procedures for diagnostic and emissions validation.

• Experience with emissions testing and CARB-related compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of diagnostic testing for powertrain systems, including fault detection, fault code reporting, and Check Engine Light logic.

• Experience with calibration and emissions test activities for powertrain systems.

• Control systems knowledge and experience applying it to diagnostic or emissions-related logic.

• Proficiency with MATLAB or similar modeling and simulation tools to support logic development and validation.

• Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret complex data sets and identify trends and correlations.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in diagnosing and resolving issues related to GPF performance, regeneration, and emissions.

• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports and documentation.

• Effective collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience conducting engine dynamometer tests for emissions or powertrain performance.

• Experience conducting vehicle road tests focused on emissions and diagnostic validation.

• Familiarity with GPF performance, regeneration strategies, and aftertreatment systems.

• Experience working with engine controls, emissions, and aftertreatment engineering teams.

• Exposure to developing or validating diagnostic logic for transmission and sensor systems, including P-code reporting.

• Experience working in proving ground or similar test facility environments.

Work Environment

The role is primarily onsite at a proving ground test facility, with the option to work at a nearby technical center as needed. You will work in an environment that combines laboratory-style test setups, such as engine dynamometer cells, with on-road vehicle testing at proving grounds. The position involves close collaboration with engineering teams, frequent interaction with test equipment and vehicles, and adherence to facility safety procedures. Work hours follow standard engineering schedules, with flexibility to support test activities and data collection as required by project timelines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chelsea, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/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 Chelsea,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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.