Hardware-In-Loop Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Kforce's client, a leading automotive engineering organization in Palo Alto, CA is expanding its Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation capability and is actively seeking experienced HIL Engineers to support the buildout of multiple new systems. Summary: This role requires hands-on ownership of HIL environments, from initial setup through system integration and validation. The ideal candidate brings deep, practical experience and can immediately contribute in a fast-paced, highly technical environment. This is not an entry-level or general test role; we are specifically looking for engineers who have built or stood up HIL systems from the ground up. Key Responsibilities:
- Design, build, and deploy HIL systems from scratch
- Translate system requirements into test plans and validation strategies
Perform electrical integration, including:
- Wiring schematics
- ECU I/O mapping
Configure and integrate vehicle communication interfaces:
- CAN, LIN, Ethernet
- Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models
- Execute test development, automation, and debugging
- Support system-level validation and issue triage
- Collaborate across systems, controls, and hardware teams
Requirements
- 4-5+ years of HIL engineering experience
- Demonstrated experience building or standing up a HIL system from scratch
- Strong hands-on experience with: dSPACE (required)
- Experience working in system-level validation environments
Technical Environment: Core Tools:
- dSPACE (required)
- Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer - preferred)
Modeling:
- MATLAB/Simulink
Interfaces:
- CAN
- LIN
- Ethernet
Preferred Experience Areas: Candidates may come from various domains, but strongest alignment includes:
- Low Voltage Systems (high priority)
- Body control
- Power distribution (e.g., electronic fuses)
- Vehicle Motion Controls/Dynamics
- Thermal Systems
- Zone Architecture
Benefits & conditions
Background in highly hands-on programs such as:
- Automotive research or prototype programs
- Competitive engineering teams (Formula SAE, etc.)
What Success Looks Like: Strong candidates can clearly explain:
- A HIL system they have built or owned end-to-end
- Requirements gathering
- Test planning
- Electrical integration (wiring, I/O mapping)
- System architecture decisions
- Modeling approach (MATLAB/Simulink)
- Execution and validation strategy
- Candidates lacking this depth of ownership will not be a fit
Interview Process:
- Initial screening focused on hands-on HIL experience
- Followed by a technical panel interview
- Interviews may be conducted remote or hybrid
Additional Details:
- High urgency-candidates must be able to ramp quickly
- Opportunity to support multiple system builds with potential for ongoing work
- Exposure to next-generation vehicle architectures and validation environments
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.