Systems Validation Engineer

Job Title: Systems Validation Engineer Job Description
The Systems Validation Engineer will support current and next-generation on-board platforms by developing system requirements, integrating embedded electronic systems, and performing comprehensive testing and validation activities. This role focuses on embedded electronics software integration and testing, as well as the creation and maintenance of clear requirement and test documentation. The engineer will collaborate closely with project managers, development engineers, and system architects to ensure that all project deliverables meet defined requirements and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop clear, detailed system requirements for on-board systems and applications.
- Participate actively in system design reviews, providing feedback and technical input to improve system architecture and implementation.
- Support integration of embedded electronic systems and software onto machines and trucks, ensuring proper functionality and compatibility.
- Perform system and integration testing in laboratory environments and on actual machines to validate performance and reliability.
- Execute embedded electronics software integration and testing activities, ensuring correct interaction between hardware and software components.
- Validate that project deliverables are completed correctly and meet all specified requirements.
- Create, execute, and maintain test procedures and test plans for application features based on system and software requirements.
- Identify, document, and track software and system defects, including writing clear and reproducible bug reports.
- Troubleshoot identified software or system defects, working to isolate root causes and verify fixes.
- Perform radar coverage mapping to evaluate and verify sensor performance in various operating conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and plot radar data to support system validation and performance assessment.
- Build radar boxes, lab harnesses, and related test fixtures as needed to support integration and testing activities.
- Maintain and organize lab inventory to ensure required equipment, components, and tools are available for testing and integration work.
- Collaborate daily with project managers, development engineers, and architects on ongoing development, integration, and validation activities.
- Document test results, findings, and recommendations in a clear and structured manner for use by engineering and project teams.
Essential Skills
- 57 years of experience in systems, software testing, validation, or related engineering roles.
- Proficiency in the C programming language, particularly in the context of embedded or systems-level development.
- Experience with embedded electronics software integration and testing.
- Strong background in system validation, including executing and writing detailed test plans and test procedures.
- Ability to write clear, detailed bug reports and defect documentation.
- Working knowledge of Linux operating systems for development, testing, or validation activities.
- Working knowledge of Windows operating systems for development, testing, or validation activities.
- Valid drivers license and comfort driving vehicles as part of testing and validation activities.
- Strong systems knowledge, with the ability to understand and reason about complex, integrated systems.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, including the ability to diagnose issues, evaluate trade-offs, and propose effective solutions.
- Ability to troubleshoot software and system defects in both lab and field environments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience developing software on real-time, embedded systems or performing testing and validation of embedded systems.
- Knowledge of diesel engine control and operation, including familiarity with typical engine management systems.
- Familiarity with CAN and SAE J1939 communication technologies and protocols.
- Experience with configuration management or version control tools such as ClearCase.
- Experience using Trace32 Debugger or similar debugging tools for embedded systems.
- Experience with CANalyzer or comparable tools for analyzing and testing CAN-based networks.
- Experience with dSpace test systems or similar hardware-in-the-loop testing platforms.
- Experience with Matlab/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or test development.
- Experience performing radar coverage mapping and working with radar-based sensing systems.
- Experience building or working with custom test harnesses, fixtures, and lab setups.
Work Environment
This role is based primarily at a test track environment and associated laboratory facilities. The engineer will spend a significant amount of time working outdoors on a test track, including driving trucks and operating within a dirt and off-road setting. The position involves hands-on work with machines, trucks, radar systems, and embedded electronic components, as well as time in a lab environment performing integration, debugging, and validation activities on test benches and hardware-in-the-loop setups. Work will involve using tools and technologies such as Linux and Windows systems, embedded development and debugging tools, CAN analysis equipment, and radar test equipment. The environment requires comfort with field testing conditions, including dust, noise, and varying weather, as well as safe operation of vehicles during test procedures.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $64.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chillicothe,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 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
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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
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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
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