Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity (In-Vehicle Systems)

Title

Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity (In-Vehicle Systems)

Location

Newark, CA / Southfield, MI

Duration

12 Months (Possible Extension)

Onsite

5 Days/Week

We are currently seeking a Senior Validation Engineer – ECU Cybersecurity to support the validation of in-vehicle security systems across next-generation electric vehicle platforms. This role requires an experienced professional with a strong background in automotive ECU validation, embedded security testing, and vehicle-level cybersecurity.

The ideal candidate brings a hands-on approach, strong analytical skills, and a passion for ensuring robust, secure, and production-ready vehicle systems. You will work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to validate security features across multiple ECUs and vehicle networks.

Role Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end cybersecurity validation of vehicle ECUs across domains (ADAS, infotainment, gateway, body control, etc.)
• Validate in-vehicle security features such as Secure Boot, Secure Firmware Updates (OTA), authentication, encryption, and access control
• Analyze and interpret software and system requirements to ensure they are clear, testable, and aligned with cybersecurity standards
• Develop and execute comprehensive validation test plans, including scope, strategy, timelines, and resource planning
• Design and implement system-level and vehicle-level test cases for cybersecurity validation
• Perform penetration-style validation and vulnerability assessments on ECUs and vehicle communication networks (CAN, Ethernet)
• Automate test cases using Python, Shell, or similar scripting languages to improve validation efficiency
• Utilize and enhance test automation frameworks, HIL/SIL setups, and stress testing tools
• Collaborate with development, security, and platform teams to identify, debug, and resolve security vulnerabilities
• Drive improvements in validation methodologies, tools, and overall product security quality

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in automotive or embedded systems testing, with a focus on ECU or vehicle-level validation
• Hands-on experience in automotive cybersecurity validation and embedded platform testing
• Strong knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and ECU communication protocols
• Experience validating security features such as Secure Boot, OTP fuses, Secure Update (OTA), JTAG access control, and hardware security modules
• Proficiency in automation scripting (Python, Shell, or equivalent)
• Experience developing and executing system-level and vehicle-level test cases
• Strong debugging skills with tools such as CAN analyzers, debuggers, and network sniffers
• Experience with embedded Linux platforms and validation in production-like environments
• Familiarity with automation tools, HIL/SIL environments, and stress testing frameworks
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automotive cybersecurity standards (ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155)
• Knowledge of cryptographic protocols (PKI, TLS, secure key management)
• Experience with penetration testing tools and methodologies in automotive environments
• Familiarity with AUTOSAR architecture and secure ECU design
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for automated validation and testing