Test Engineer

Actalent; Michigan; On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Vehicle Test Engineer based in Detroit, MI, onsite, with extensive diesel engine and aftertreatment knowledge. The role requires hands-on instrumentation, data logging, and autonomous work style to support on-road and remote testing.

Expect significant travel and collaboration within a union environment. The candidate will validate engine system performance, generate reports, and use Vector CANape/CANalyzer or INCA and MATLAB for calibration data analysis and diagnostics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automotive, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engine and aftertreatment operations and emissions.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing in diesel, combustion, or battery.
• Experience working in a Union shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot system-level performance failures and perform root cause analysis to prevent issues and drive improvements.
• Utilize data analysis tools and diagnostics using Vector CANape to leverage calibration data.
• Write reports outlining daily test activities and document issue escalations.
• Generate performance graphs and histograms; review validation results and compile daily reports.
• Provide clear directions to achieve test objectives and collaborate across teams in a multi-cultural environment.
• Travel 40% per year for remote testing, especially in summer and winter seasons.

Skills

Vehicle testing expertise

Instrumentation experience

CANape/CANalyzer or INCA/MATLAB

Autonomous/self-starter

Education

Bachelors in Automotive/Mechatronics/Electrical/Controls

Tools

Vector CANape

CANalyzer

INCA

MATLAB

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Vehicle Test Engineer

The position requires a comprehensive understanding of diesel engine combustion, aftertreatment, transmission, and control systems, along with skills in instrumentation installation and electrical troubleshooting. Candidates should be adept at data logging, analyzing system configurations, and validating performance requirements for engine systems of On-Highway trucks.

Essential Skills

• Vehicle testing and engine testing expertise.
• Hands-on automotive engineering experience, specifically in instrumentation.
• Proficiency with Vector CANape & CANalyzer or INCA & MATLAB.
• Ability to work autonomously as a self-starter.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot system-level performance failures and perform root cause failure analysis to prevent potential failures and identify areas for performance improvements.
• Utilize data analysis tools and diagnostics using Vector Products (CANape) to leverage calibration data.
• Write reports outlining daily test activities, document issue escalations, and maintain technical documentation.
• Generate performance graphs and histograms, identify data abnormalities, and review validation results to compile daily reports.
• Provide clear directions to achieve test objectives and maintain professional and social interactions in a multi-cultural environment.
• Travel 40% of the year for remote testing, particularly during summer and winter testing seasons.
• Communicate directions and submit work orders while working within a Union environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Automotive, Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engine and aftertreatment operations and emissions.
• Fundamentals in engineering thermodynamics.
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing in diesel, combustion, or battery.
• Experience working within a Union shop environment.

Work Environment

This position is an onsite role that requires extensive travel for vehicle testing, with expectations of 40% travel during summer and winter testing seasons. Testing typically involves being on the road for two weeks and back for two weeks. The role demands flexible working hours, particularly during the testing season, where overtime is expected. The work environment is dynamic, requiring effective communication and collaboration with union technicians and drivers involved in the vehicle test process.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Detroit, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $42.00/hr.

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 Detroit,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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