Software Test Engineer

This role focuses on designing, developing, and executing automated tests to validate embedded software and hardware/software systems in a high-technology automotive environment. The Embedded Software Test Engineer will develop test automation, validate software running on or interacting with embedded controllers, troubleshoot system-level issues, and ensure reliable communication between software, ECUs, vehicle networks, and connected hardware.

The ideal candidate will have a strong in embedded software testing, C/C++ development or scripting, automotive communication protocols, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and automated validation.

• Design, develop, and maintain automated tests for embedded software, firmware, ECUs, and hardware/software integrated systems.
• Develop automated test tools and scripts using C, C++, C#, Python, or similar programming/scripting languages.
• Create detailed test plans, test cases, procedures, and regression suites for embedded software requirements.
• Perform functional, integration, system, regression, and end-to-end testing of embedded applications.
• Validate communication between embedded controllers, vehicle networks, diagnostic applications, APIs, and connected hardware.
• Test automotive communication and diagnostic protocols such as CAN, UDS, DoIP, J2534, and OBD-II.
• Develop and execute testing in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), bench, simulator, or hardware-based test environments.
• Analyze logs, traces, diagnostic messages, and test results to identify software and system-level defects.
• Troubleshoot failures involving embedded software, firmware, hardware interfaces, communication protocols, and vehicle networks.
• Collaborate with embedded software, systems, electrical, and test engineers to define validation strategies and improve test coverage.
• Automate regression testing and integrate embedded validation tests into CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Git, or comparable tools.
• Verify software against system and software requirements and support formal verification and validation activities.
• Support root-cause analysis of complex issues spanning software, firmware, electronics, communications, and connected systems.
• Continuously improve automated testing frameworks, test infrastructure, and embedded validation processes.

• 38+ years of experience as an Embedded Software Test Engineer, Embedded Software Validation Engineer, Firmware Test Engineer, Software Verification Engineer, Automotive Software Test Engineer, Systems Validation Engineer, or Test Automation Engineer.
• Strong experience testing embedded software, firmware, or hardware-integrated software systems.
• Hands-on experience developing new automated tests and test infrastructure, rather than primarily executing existing test scripts.
• Programming or scripting experience using C, C++, C#, Python, or similar languages for test development and automation.
• Experience with embedded software verification and validation, including test plans, test procedures, test cases, and regression testing.
• Experience performing functional, integration, system, and end-to-end testing of embedded systems.
• Experience debugging issues involving software-to-hardware interactions and system-level behavior.
• Experience working with communication interfaces or protocols such as CAN, Ethernet/TCP/IP, serial communications, or similar embedded interfaces.
• Experience using Git and modern source control practices.
• Experience incorporating automated testing into CI/CD environments.
• Ability to analyze logs, traces, diagnostic information, and test results to isolate root causes.
• Experience working directly with engineering teams developing embedded or real-time software systems.

• Automotive embedded software or ECU validation experience.
• Hands-on experience with CAN, UDS, DoIP, J2534, and OBD-II.
• Experience with CANoe, CANalyzer, Vehicle Spy, or comparable automotive network analysis tools.
• Experience with HIL testing using platforms such as dSPACE, NI, Vector, ETAS, or comparable systems.
• Experience testing ECUs, controllers, vehicle communication systems, or automotive diagnostic software.
• Familiarity with SIL, HIL, bench testing, simulators, and automated test environments.
• Experience with real-time or embedded operating systems, including Embedded Linux, QNX, or RTOS-based systems.
• Experience with REST APIs and TCP/IP communication where embedded systems interact with cloud or connected services.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, secure communications, or automotive security concepts.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE, or structured automotive software development and validation processes is beneficial.
• Experience with performance, stress, fault-injection, or robustness testing of embedded systems.

This role is part of an engineering-focused environment developing and validating embedded automotive software and connected vehicle technologies. Testing will involve a combination of software automation and hands-on interaction with ECUs, embedded controllers, vehicle networks, diagnostic systems, simulators, HIL equipment, and other hardware-based test environments.

The engineer will work closely with embedded software, electrical, systems, and validation teams to troubleshoot issues that cross traditional software and hardware boundaries. The environment emphasizes automated validation, embedded software quality, system-level troubleshooting, and rigorous verification of complex automotive systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Owatonna, MN.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $68.00/hr.

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.

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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Owatonna, MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.

This is a hybrid position in Owatonna,MN.

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 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.