HIL Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, California, Onsite (5 days per week in office) Duration: 6-12 months (possibility to extend) Hourly Rate: $55/hour - $65/hour on W2 (based on experience) Client: Automotive Overview: Our client, a leading automotive engineering organization, 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. 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: 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 Qualifications, Skills & Experience 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) 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 Vehicle Motion Controls / Dynamics Thermal Systems 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 What Success Looks Like: Strong candidates can clearly explain: A HIL system they have built or owned end-to-end Including: Requirements gathering Test planning Electrical integration (wiring, I/O mapping) Modeling approach (MATLAB/Simulink) Execution and validation strategy Candidates lacking this depth of ownership will not be a fit. We appreciate all interest; however, only candidates whose experience fully meets the posted requirements will be considered. **AI is not being used in the application/recruitment process for this position** #J-18808-Ljbffr StafinGo