Electrical Systems Engineer (Exterior Lighting)
The Electrical Engineer is responsible for the execution and delivery of electrical engineering work for assigned vehicle or subsystem programs from early development through launch and production readiness. This role supports the design, validation, release, and issue resolution of electrical and electronic content, with a strong emphasis on hands-on troubleshooting, electrical bench testing, supplier engagement, interface definition, and program execution. The engineer works cross-functionally with internal engineering teams, validation teams and suppliers to ensure robust electrical system performance and on-time delivery. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to identify design risks early, drive corrective actions, and maintain alignment to program timing.
Core Competencies
Technical problem solving on vehicle and through discussion
Hands-on electrical troubleshooting, demonstrated use oscilloscopes, current clamps, and other electrical analysis tools.
Supplier management
Program Execution Discipline, coordination and organization
Cross-functional collaboration
Clear written and verbal communication
High sense of ownership and accountability
Demonstrated sense of natural curiosity
Key Responsibilities
Hands-on troubleshooting and root cause investigation
Perform hands-on troubleshooting of electrical systems, components, harnesses, modules, and interfaces at the bench, vehicle, and subsystem level.
Investigate electrical issues using engineering fundamentals, test equipment, schematics, pinouts, and diagnostic data.
Lead or support structured root cause analysis for electrical failures, intermittent issues, integration concerns, and performance problems.
Distinguish between design, manufacturing, supplier, software, and interface-related issues and drive appropriate containment and corrective action.
Document findings clearly and communicate technical risks, root causes, and recommended actions to stakeholders.
Electrical engineering execution
Lead electrical engineering activities for assigned components, modules, or systems through the full program lifecycle.
Develop, review, and maintain electrical requirements, technical specifications, and engineering deliverables.
Ensure electrical designs meet functional, performance, quality, safety, cost, and timing requirements.
Interface with cross-functional teams to align engineering decisions with vehicle, subsystem, and program objectives.
Create, update, and maintain Electrical Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for assigned systems and components.
Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers to keep interface documentation current and aligned across all affected stakeholders.
Reviewing ICD changes for downstream impact to component design, system integration, validation, and release timing.
Support issue resolution by using ICDs as a core reference for confirming interface intent and identifying mismatches.
Electrical bench testing and validation support
Plan, set up, and execute electrical bench tests to confirm circuit function, interface integrity, signal behavior, and component performance.
Use lab and bench equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, breakout boxes, and data acquisition tools to support testing and troubleshooting.
Evaluate test results, identify abnormal behavior, and recommend design or process improvements based on evidence.
Support verification and validation activities by confirming electrical performance against requirements and expected operating conditions.
Work closely with validation and test teams to define test conditions, review results, and resolve electrical issues discovered during development and launch.
Program timing and execution discipline
Manage engineering deliverables in alignment with program timing, gateway milestones, and launch requirements.
Track open issues, support action plans, and escalate risks that may affect design maturity, validation completion, or launch readiness.
Follow program timing closely and ensure engineering activities, supplier deliverables, testing, reviews, and documentation are completed on schedule.
Balance technical depth with execution urgency to support timely decision-making and issue closure.
Contribute to launch preparation and ensure electrical engineering readiness for builds, validation events, and production milestones.
What can give you a competitive edge
Supplier design reviews and issue detection
Lead and participate in supplier design reviews to evaluate electrical design maturity, technical feasibility, interface compatibility, and compliance with requirements.
Critically review supplier schematics, circuit designs, interface definitions, test plans, and technical documentation with the ability to understand the design and detect issues.
Challenge assumptions, identify technical gaps, and provide clear feedback to improve supplier deliverables before issues reach later program phases.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science or a related engineering discipline.
Experience in electrical engineering, product development, validation, or issue resolution in an automotive, transportation, or similarly complex technical environment.
Strong understanding of electrical circuits, interfaces, signal behavior, grounding, power distribution, and component interaction to effectively troubleshoot issues on vehicle.
Demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting capability with electrical systems and hardware.
Experience performing or supporting electrical bench testing and interpreting test results.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to travel locally as required to support testing, supplier reviews, builds, or launch activities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with automotive electrical exterior lighting architecture and electronic modules
Previous experience developing block diagrams and schematics.
Experience with GMW DV/PV, subsystem validation, launch support, and production issue resolution.
Experience working directly / leading suppliers in design, validation, and issue resolution reviews.
Sponsorship is Not offered for this role.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $46.00/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 Warren,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
