Application Engineer

We are seeking an Application Engineer to lead the technical delivery of an ECU program for a new, large-scale automotive platform. This role is crucial as it combines customer-facing program leadership with hands-on applications engineering. The ideal candidate should be a degreed Engineer with a proven track record in managing complex ECU programs at a Tier 1 supplier—responsible for overseeing requirements, validation, change control, and launch readiness, while effectively communicating with internal teams and the OEM.

• Serve as the technical point of contact for the OEM across all program phases, from concept to post‑SOP support.
• Translate OEM requirements into clear internal deliverables and drive scope, timing, and cost alignment.
• Lead gateway readiness, including program milestones, design freezes, and risk management updates.
• Configure, integrate, and validate ECU features to meet vehicle-level requirements.
• Collaborate with software, systems, hardware, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure feature completeness and performance.
• Manage requirements traceability and lead ECR/ECN processes, maintaining a clean configuration baseline.
• Drive ASPICE‑aligned processes and coordinate APQP/PPAP packages and control plans.
• Facilitate structured communications with the OEM and provide executive‑ready program updates.
• Align suppliers and internal teams to meet program commitments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 2‑5+ years of experience in automotive ECU program management and applications engineering at a Tier 1 supplier.
• Strong familiarity with CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS/DoIP, DTCs, and diagnostic services.
• Experience with AUTOSAR, bootloaders, over‑the‑air updates, cybersecurity basics, and requirements tools.
• Proficiency in validation processes, including DVP&R creation, test case management, and issue tracking.
• Knowledge of ASPICE, ISO standards, APQP/PPAP fundamentals, and DFMEA/PFMEA awareness.
• Proven success in leading OEM‑facing programs through gates to SOP.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

• Experience delivering ECUs for specific automotive platforms and familiarity with OEM specifications and processes.
• Knowledge of functional safety and cybersecurity compliance.
• Familiarity with supplier management and manufacturing launch support.
• Exposure to OTA, secure boot, and calibration workflows.
• Master’s degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering (preferred).

The position offers a hybrid work environment with three days on‑site and two days remote. Tuesdays and Thursdays are mandatory on‑site days, providing a balance of collaborative and independent work settings.

Contract to Hire position based out of Ypsilanti, MI.

Salary range: $40.00 – $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may depend on specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability coverage
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and other leave options

Final date to receive applications:
Jan 16, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and science 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law.

For reasonable accommodation requests due to a disability, please email actalentaccom