Functional Test Engineer

We’re seeking a Vehicle Test Engineer to support the development and validation of advanced powertrain systems for on-highway trucks. This hands-on role combines vehicle testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and performance validation, offering the opportunity to work directly with cutting-edge diesel engine and powertrain technologies.

If you enjoy being in the field, analyzing vehicle performance, and driving engineering improvements from test data, this is a great opportunity to make a tangible impact.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support vehicle test activities focused on diesel engines, aftertreatment systems, transmissions, and controls.
• Troubleshoot vehicle and powertrain performance issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Install and validate test instrumentation and support electrical troubleshooting activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret vehicle data using CAN-based diagnostic and calibration tools.
• Generate performance reports, graphs, and validation summaries to communicate test results.
• Identify system concerns, escalate issues, and recommend performance improvements.
• Work closely with technicians, drivers, and engineering teams to achieve testing objectives.
• Support remote summer and winter testing programs across North America.

Innovation Powertrain Electronics Calibration Mechatronics Self-Starter Data Analysis Field Testing Diesel Engines Instrumentation Test Engineering CANape (Software) Root Cause Analysis Test Data Generation Performance Reporting Automotive Engineering Engineering Design Process Verbal Communication Skills Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Electrical/Electronic Troubleshooting, * Experience with engine testing, powertrain testing, or vehicle validation testing.

• Hands-on automotive engineering experience, including instrumentation and data acquisition.

Proficiency with:

• Vector CANape and/or CANalyzer
• INCA
• MATLAB
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage testing activities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering.

Strong understanding of:

• Diesel combustion systems
• Aftertreatment systems and emissions controls
• Engine control systems
• Engineering thermodynamics
• Experience with engine dynamometer testing.
• Experience working in a union manufacturing or testing environment., Engine Testing

Powertrain Testing

Automotive Instrumentation

CANape / CANalyzer / INCA

Data Analysis & Diagnostics

Root Cause Analysis

Self-Starter / Independent Contributor Job Type & Location, 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.

This role offers the opportunity to participate in extensive real-world vehicle testing programs.

• Approximately 40% travel annually
• Summer testing season: 6-18 weeks
• Winter testing season: 6-18 weeks
• Typical rotation: 2 weeks on the road / 2 weeks home
• Overtime expected during testing seasons (approximately 200-400 hours annually)

Why Join Us?

• Work on next-generation commercial vehicle technologies.
• Gain exposure to advanced diesel and powertrain development programs.
• Participate in high-profile field testing initiatives across diverse operating environments.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers, technicians, and industry experts.
• Play a direct role in improving vehicle performance, quality, and reliability.

Top Skills

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.