Software Release Engineer ​/ Autonomous Vehicle Validation (HIL) Test Engineer

Software Release Engineer

Duration: 3-6 month contract

Location:

Must be local to Palo Alto, CA or Ann Arbor, MI

Schedule:

Hybrid 2-3 days onsite Client:
Toyota Max Pay Rate: $50/hr

Job Description:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Software Release Engineer to support the validation, testing, and release readiness of autonomous vehicle software. In this role, you will execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and simulation-based testing to evaluate software releases before deployment to vehicle testing environments.

• Software Release Validation & Testing
• Execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and simulation tests to evaluate autonomous driving software releases prior to vehicle deployment.
• Validate software performance against defined quality thresholds and release criteria.
• Review test results, identify regressions, and ensure issues are properly documented and investigated.
• Partner with software, vehicle operations, and validation teams to support successful software releases.
• Simulation & Scenario Development
• Support the creation, evaluation, and maintenance of simulation-based driving scenarios used for software validation.
• Help curate challenging test scenarios, including night-time driving conditions and edge-case scenarios.
• Analyze simulation results to identify software performance issues and areas for improvement.
• Vehicle Validation Support
• Provide technical support for vehicle-based validation testing.
• Assist teams in evaluating nearly completed software releases before deployment to new Operational Design Domains (ODDs) and public road testing.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by analyzing test results, logs, video data, and sensor information.
• HIL Testing Infrastructure & Release Operations
• Maintain and provide technical updates to HIL testing pipelines and validation environments.
• Support release operations activities, including test execution tracking, reporting, and communication of release status.
• Escalate testing failures, blockers, and delays to appropriate engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in software testing, validation engineering, release engineering, or related technical roles.
• Hands-on experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing or simulation-based validation.
• Experience analyzing complex technical data, including: software logs, video recordings, sensor data, test execution results.
• Experience identifying software regressions and supporting root-cause investigations.
• Experience working with Git/version control systems.
• Experience with simulation and visualization tools such as Foxglove Studio, SUMO, CARLA, or similar autonomous driving simulation platforms.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work across multiple engineering teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements.