Job Title: Functional ECU and Smart Security Design EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on the development and application of functional electronic control units (ECUs) and smart security systems for vehicles. The engineer will contribute to building a North American electronics center of excellence by leading the design, integration, and validation of vehicle electronic systems that balance performance, customer needs, regulatory requirements, and cost.
Responsibilities-
Lead vehicle application and integration of functional ECUs, including power slide door ECUs, power tailgate ECUs, seat ECUs, window ECUs, sunroof ECUs, and related modules.
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Develop and apply smart security systems such as smart ECUs, immobilizers, and antennas to ensure robust vehicle security and user convenience.
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Plan the structure and overall design of functional ECUs and smart security systems through clear target setting, packaging studies, and style feasibility assessments.
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Balance system performance, customer requirements, regulatory compliance, and cost targets when defining ECU and smart security system designs.
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Create and communicate detailed design specifications for functional ECUs and smart security components to suppliers.
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Manage supplier schedules, performance, and quality for ECU and smart security components, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
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Maintain and manage part lists for assigned components and systems to support accurate configuration and traceability.
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Prepare and issue internal design documentation, including engineering change instructions and wiring specifications, to support cross-functional teams.
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Collaborate closely with the Electronic Systems Vehicle Development team and other engineering groups to support vehicle development milestones.
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Apply strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills to resolve technical issues and support cross-functional communication throughout the development process.
Essential Skills-
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.
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5 years or more of experience as an electrical design engineer, preferably with exposure to vehicle or electronic systems development.
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Hands-on experience with electrical design engineering and electronic systems, including ECU-related development.
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Ability to work effectively on Electronic Systems Vehicle Development projects, focusing on functional ECUs and smart security systems.
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Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex electrical and electronic system issues and propose effective solutions.
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Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
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Ability and willingness to work up to 30% overtime as required by project and development schedules.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience in vehicle electronics development, including design, validation, and integration of vehicle ECUs.
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Experience using CATIA for design, packaging, or feasibility studies in an automotive or electronics context.
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Background in functional ECU and smart security design, including familiarity with smart ECUs, immobilizers, and antenna systems.
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Experience working with suppliers on electronic component specifications, schedules, and quality management.
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Familiarity with wiring specifications, engineering change processes, and internal design documentation practices.
Work Environment
The engineer will work in a collaborative vehicle development environment focused on electronic systems and ECU design. The role involves close interaction with cross-functional engineering teams and external suppliers, using tools such as CATIA and other electrical design and documentation systems. The position may require up to 30% overtime to meet project deadlines and support vehicle development milestones. Work is primarily performed in an office and engineering lab setting with regular design reviews, documentation work, and coordination with global development counterparts.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Saline, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.
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 hybrid position in Saline,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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 [email protected] 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.
