Hardware-In-Loop Engineer

Kforce's client, a leading automotive engineering organization in Palo Alto, CA is expanding its Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation capability and is actively seeking experienced HIL Engineers to support the buildout of multiple new systems. Summary: This role requires hands-on ownership of HIL environments, from initial setup through system integration and validation. The ideal candidate brings deep, practical experience and can immediately contribute in a fast-paced, highly technical environment. This is not an entry-level or general test role; we are specifically looking for engineers who have built or stood up HIL systems from the ground up. Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and deploy HIL systems from scratch
• Translate system requirements into test plans and validation strategies

Perform electrical integration, including:

• Wiring schematics
• ECU I/O mapping

Configure and integrate vehicle communication interfaces:

* CAN

, LIN, Ethernet

• Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models
• Execute test development, automation, and debugging
• Support system-level validation and issue triage
• Collaborate across systems, controls, and hardware teams
• 4-5+ years of HIL engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience building or standing up a HIL system from scratch
• Strong hands-on experience with: dSPACE (required)
• Experience working in system-level validation environments

Technical Environment: Core Tools:

• dSPACE (required)
• Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer - preferred)

Modeling: * MATLAB/Simulink Interfaces: * CAN

* LIN

* Ethernet Preferred Experience Areas: Candidates may come from various domains, but strongest alignment includes:

• Low Voltage Systems (high priority)
• Body control
• Power distribution (e.g., electronic fuses)
• Vehicle Motion Controls/Dynamics
• Thermal Systems
• Zone Architecture

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with vehicle diagnostics
• Prior role/title as a HIL Engineer

Background in highly hands-on programs such as:

• Automotive research or prototype programs
• Competitive engineering teams (Formula SAE, etc.)

What Success Looks Like: Strong candidates can clearly explain:

• A HIL system they have built or owned end-to-end
• Requirements gathering
• Test planning
• Electrical integration (wiring, I/O mapping)
• System architecture decisions
• Modeling approach (MATLAB/Simulink)
• Execution and validation strategy
• Candidates lacking this depth of ownership will not be a fit

Interview Process:

• Initial screening focused on hands-on HIL experience
• Followed by a technical panel interview
• Interviews may be conducted remote or hybrid

Additional Details:

• High urgency-candidates must be able to ramp quickly
• Opportunity to support multiple system builds with potential for ongoing work
• Exposure to next-generation vehicle architectures and validation environments