HIL Engineer

Hardware-In-The-Loop Engineer

SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL) Engineer for an assigned project with a client in the automotive industry. The role is based in Novi, MI or Charlotte NC and requires onsite presence and 20% domestic travel. If you are eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

Purpose:

This role is responsible for designing, automating, and executing system-level validation for advanced electrified propulsion systems. The scope includes EV/HEV drive systems, range extender (generator) functions, and cross-domain HIL automation to ensure robust performance, diagnostics, and functional safety across all operating conditions. Depending on assignment, the engineer may focus on front-zone drive functions, range extender systems, or shared HIL automation and infrastructure, while collaborating closely within a unified validation team.

Responsibilities:

• HIL Modeling & Test Development
  • Develop, integrate, and maintain HIL plant models for:
    Electric motors, inverters, driveline and wheel dynamics;
    Traction and regenerative braking systems;
    Range extender generator/ICE surrogates and energy interfaces;
    Thermal, environmental, and disturbance effects (low-μ, split-μ, altitude, ambient)
  • Design automated HIL test suites covering:
    Torque delivery, regen blending, limits and derates;
    Traction control, ABS/ESC interactions, and driveline protection;
    Range extender start/stop, SOC sustain, load transients;
    Limp-home strategies, fault handling, and edge-case behavior
• Diagnostics, Fault Injection & Safety Validation
  • Implement fault-injection scenarios (sensor, actuator, thermal, and network faults).
  • Validate UDS diagnostics including DIDs, DTCs, and service routines.
  • Ensure robust protection, derate, and safe-state behavior aligned with a safety mindset (ISO 26262 exposure).
• Automation & CI Integration
  • Develop and maintain test automation using Python, CAPL, and related frameworks.
  • Integrate HIL testing into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Git Hub Actions) for rapid regression feedback.
  • Support standardized logging, datasets, and reproducible test execution.
• Defect Analysis & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Analyze failures and produce high-quality defect reports with minimal reproduction steps.
  • Attach relevant traces and logs (e.g., MDF, BLF) to accelerate root cause analysis.
  • Collaborate with controls, systems, calibration, diagnostics, and safety teams throughout development cycles.
• Infrastructure & Continuous Improvement (Scope varies by assignment)
  • Maintain HIL rig configurations, I/O maps, restbus setups, and fault-insertion capabilities.
  • Contribute to reusable libraries for test scenarios, diagnostics workflows, and plant models.
  • Support requirements traceability from specifications to test execution and results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Equivalent qualification through practical experience in HIL testing and automotive system validation may also be considered
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the field of expertise
• Strong academic or practical background in embedded systems, control systems, vehicle dynamics, or electrified powertrain systems

Required Skills:

• Experience in HIL testing for EV, HEV, hybrid propulsion, or auxiliary power systems.
• Education:
  
  BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Controls, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• Tools & Technologies:
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • dSPACE, NI, or ETAS HIL platforms
  • Vector CANoe/CANape
  • Python and Git
  • CAN, LIN, Ethernet networking
• Systems Knowledge:
  • Drive system controls, energy management, or range extender operation
  • Diagnostics (UDS) and fault management
  • Exposure to functional safety concepts (ISO 26262)

Required Skills:

• Experience with Volkswagen
• Willingness to travel

Physical Requirements:

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes,…