Test Engineer

Ford Motors - Prototype Development Engineer - Long Beach CA We're seeking a Prototype Development Engineer to support the bring-up, integration, testing, and maintenance of advanced prototype vehicles, LabCars, and HIL test assets. This role sits at the intersection of hardware and software and is ideal for an engineer with hands-on experience in vehicle networking, electrical debugging, embedded systems, and prototype development.You will partner closely with systems integration, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams to validate next-generation EV architectures and support critical prototype build events.What You'll DoSupport the bring-up and commissioning of LabCars, HIL benches, prototype vehicles, and test assetsPerform component installation, wiring, module flashing, software configuration, and system integration activitiesDebug vehicle networks including CAN, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet using tools such as CANalyzer, CANoe, Vehicle Spy, and WiresharkExecute UDS, OBD, and DTC diagnostic workflows to identify and resolve vehicle issuesTroubleshoot and triage complex electrical and software integration problems during prototype build and validation eventsDevelop and execute system validation strategies, including smoke testing, regression testing, and retesting of fixesDocument defects in Jira, including logs, traces, reproduction steps, expected vs. actual results, and validation outcomesSupport prototype vehicle builds, fleet activities, and off-site testing initiativesMaintain documentation related to hardware revisions, software status, module configuration, and integration maturityContribute to the design and development of electrical and mechanical test assetsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Software Engineering, or related field5+ years of experience in hardware/software integration, vehicle systems engineering, board bring-up, or prototype development5+ years of experience working with automotive communication protocols: CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet3+ years of experience using diagnostic and network analysis tools such as: CANalyzer, CANoe, Vehicle Spy (VSPY), WiresharkExperience performing ECU flashing, software deployment, and configuration managementStrong understanding of embedded systems fundamentalsAbility to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and PCB assembliesExperience developing and executing formal test plans and validation proceduresHands-on electrical lab experience with oscilloscopes, multimeters, DAQ systems, power supplies, loads, and breakout harnessesExperience documenting defects and validation results in JiraAbility to travel 25-75% to support prototype builds and testing activitiesPreferred Qualifications (Not Required) Experience with EV vehicle architectures and systemsKnowledge of Battery Management Systems (BMS), motor controls, OBD diagnostics, and ISO 26262 functional safetyExperience with data acquisition systems and vehicle instrumentationCAD experience (CATIA or similar)PCB design experience (Altium or similar)HV/LV test asset design, harness fabrication, and debugging experiencePython or similar scripting experience for test automationExperience supporting prototype vehicle development programs from concept through validationIdeal BackgroundCandidates with experience in any of the following environments are highly encouraged to apply:Prototype Vehicle DevelopmentVehicle Integration EngineeringHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) TestingSystems Validation EngineeringElectrical Integration EngineeringEmbedded Systems TestingAutomotive Software ValidationEV Development & TestingJob Info:Job Type: Contract-to-HireLocation: Long Beach CA Health, Dental, Vision, and 401kIf you're passionate about building and validating next-generation vehicle technology and enjoy hands-on engineering in fast-paced prototype environments, we'd love to hear from you.