• Application Engineer

    Actalent (Ypsilanti, MI)


    Job Title: Application Engineer

    Job Description

    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.

    Responsibilities

    + 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.

    Essential Skills

    + 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.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + 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.

    Work Environment

    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.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ypsilanti, MI.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Ypsilanti,MI.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Jan 16, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.