Feature Systems Engineer

Job Title: Feature Systems Engineer
Job Description
The Feature Systems Engineer will lead the development of cutting-edge vehicle features at the systems level, from early concept through production. This role focuses on fusing systems and software engineering disciplines to create next-generation digital experiences in vehicles, with a strong emphasis on new technologies, vehicle electrical systems, and enterprise-wide software and hardware solutions. The engineer will architect systems, define and allocate requirements, ensure functional safety and cybersecurity, and drive feature integration while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and the supply base.
Responsibilities

• Lead the development of vehicle features at the systems level from early feature definition through production, including feature upgrades and migration plans.
• Architect systems with a concentration on new technologies, ensuring solutions align with cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Develop high-level network wiring and power distribution topologies, schematics, and block diagrams to support new and existing features.
• Allocate features and functions across hardware, software, and electrical modules to meet performance, quality, and cost objectives.
• Author and maintain feature, functional, and implementation specifications, ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with system requirements.
• Create feature Failure Mode Avoidance documentation and develop comprehensive feature verification plans.
• Perform functional safety assessments and cybersecurity assessments, and define mitigation strategies to meet use-case and attribute targets.
• Design feature systems using Model-Based Systems Engineering and software development tools such as Python and software requirements tools for design and documentation.
• Develop, test, and deploy technical solutions for endpoint hardware and software across the enterprise, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
• Review existing system designs to identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction and quality improvement.
• Collaborate with product and program teams, core engineering groups, and other functional areas to create balanced solutions to complex requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional teams and the supply base to understand emerging technologies and evaluate implementation opportunities.
• Analyze complex multi-functional systems and implement innovative solutions that enhance vehicle features and customer experience.
• Lead trade-off discussions with cross-functional stakeholders, negotiating design decisions and priorities when requirements conflict.
• Communicate complex system issues, trade-offs, and resolutions clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Apply connected data and data analytics to develop a deep understanding of customer behavior and needs, and use insights to inform feature design.
• Progress customer use cases and concepts through design, architecture, development, testing, and integration cycles.
• Engage in hands-on technical activities in developing, implementing, and supporting software applications related to vehicle features.
• Support electrical design reviews and testing activities, including electrical design review (DR) and electrical testing, to validate system performance.
• Contribute as a key specialist in the development of next-generation vehicles, helping to fuse system and software engineering disciplines into revolutionary in-vehicle digital experiences.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 3 years of experience in Systems Engineering, preferably within the automotive domain.
• Approximately 3 years of experience in Software Engineering.
• Strong understanding of vehicle electrical systems and vehicle features.
• Functional knowledge of electrical module design, networking, wiring, and power distribution.
• Familiarity with body systems, chassis systems, and related automotive subsystems.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve software issues and CAN communication problems.
• Ability to design customer feature systems using Model-Based Systems Engineering approaches.
• Proficiency in software development using languages such as Python.
• Experience using software requirements tools for design and documentation.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in writing and developing feature, functional, and implementation-level specifications and requirements.
• Experience creating feature Failure Mode Avoidance documentation and developing feature verification plans.
• Experience conducting functional safety assessments and cybersecurity assessments.
• Experience leading the software development lifecycle for features, including early feature development, production launch, feature upgrades, and migration plans.
• Ability to develop test plans and resolve technical issues for endpoint hardware and software across an enterprise environment.

Work Environment
This position operates in a hybrid work environment that combines remote work with on-site collaboration. The role involves extensive collaboration with cross-functional engineering, product, and program teams, as well as interaction with suppliers and other technical stakeholders. Work typically centers on modern engineering tools and technologies, including model-based systems engineering platforms, software development environments such as Python, and specialized requirements and documentation tools. The environment emphasizes innovation in vehicle electrical systems and digital experiences, with a focus on rigorous systems engineering practices, structured development lifecycles, and continuous improvement in quality and cost. The culture encourages analytical thinking, open communication, and collaborative problem-solving to deliver advanced automotive features.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $46.06 - $55.27/hr.
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 hybrid position in Dearborn,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.


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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.