Software Engineer, Body Controls & Authentication Validation, Vehicle Software
The Software Engineer in Body Controls & Authentication Validation at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, executing, and automating comprehensive test strategies to validate vehicle software systems. This role involves developing test infrastructure and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of Confidential Client's vehicles through rigorous system-level validation.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing, Utilities.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Software Engineer focused on body controls and authentication validation for vehicle software in Palo Alto, CA. This role owns system-level validation strategies and builds automated test infrastructure (HIL/SIL, test benches, data analysis) to ensure safety, reliability, and integration across vehicle subsystems.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute system-level validation strategies for body controls and related vehicle software subsystems
- Design, implement, and automate test cases and frameworks using HIL and SIL methodologies
- Build prototype test setups that integrate simulated or physical components to validate subsystem behavior
- Create and maintain test automation and infrastructure using Python, C++, and Rust
- Collaborate with software, hardware, controls, modelling, and development teams to identify and resolve issues early
- Parse and analyze large validation datasets to produce actionable technical insights and test reports
- Investigate field issues, drive root-cause analysis, and coordinate corrective actions across functions
- Continuously improve test coverage, safety, and customer experience through automation and data-driven validation
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in systems validation, test automation, or related engineering roles
- Strong fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, thermal, controls, and systems engineering
- Experience debugging networked microprocessor systems and software-controlled sensors/actuators
- Practical experience with HIL/SIL, test benches, simulation-based validation, and prototype integration
- Proficiency in test automation and object-oriented design using Python and C++; Rust experience a plus
- Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet and diagnostic tooling
- Strong analytical skills for parsing test data and deriving technical recommendations
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills (nice to have)
- Prior experience validating body controls, lighting, access controls, HVAC, or battery management systems
- Experience developing scalable automation frameworks and CI-style test pipelines
- Background in prototyping hardware-software integration test setups
Compensation & Benefits
- Expected compensation: $140,000 - $360,000 annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits
- Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, employee stock purchase plans, paid time off, family-building support, and more — eligibility and plan details provided upon offer
- Pay offered may vary based on market location, candidate experience, and other individualized factors
Why Work Through Careertakes
- Third-party recruiting support to surface additional matches and streamline the hiring process
- Confidential Client will make all final hiring decisions and manage employment directly
- You may be matched with other relevant opportunities on the Careertakes platform
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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