Senior HIL Automation Engineer

HIL Automation Engineer
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced HIL Automation Engineer with 5-10 years of experience developing and enhancing automated test frameworks for embedded control systems. This role will focus on designing, maintaining, and improving Python-based automation solutions that execute and manage Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing through the IBM Jazz Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) platform.
The ideal candidate will have strong software development and automation expertise combined with experience in dSPACE, ETAS, Python, and automotive communication protocols. This position is centered on automation framework development, test orchestration, and continuous improvement of the testing infrastructure rather than hands-on hardware validation or manual test execution.
Key Responsibilities
HIL Automation Framework Development
Develop, maintain, and enhance automated HIL test frameworks supporting transmission control systems and ECU software verification.
Convert system-level test cases written in plain English into automated Python/XiL-based test scripts.
Improve and modernize existing automation architecture to increase scalability, maintainability, and test coverage.
Develop reusable automation libraries and framework components to support regression testing.
Implement automated pass/fail criteria, error handling, logging, and reporting capabilities.
IBM Jazz / Test Management Integration
Integrate automated test execution with IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM/RQM) within the Jazz platform.
Automate test case execution, result collection, reporting, and traceability workflows.
Support migration and enhancement activities associated with the organization's move to the Jazz platform.
Develop interfaces between automation frameworks and IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management tools.
Support test management process improvements and framework standardization efforts.
HIL Systems & Tool Integration
Support automation activities within dSPACE and ETAS-based HIL environments.
Develop and maintain interfaces utilizing ASAM XiL APIs for standardized communication with HIL test benches.
Work with simulation environments containing virtual powertrain components including transmission and engine models.
Support integration of Transmission Control Modules (TCMs) within simulated testing environments.
Interface automation frameworks with dSPACE SCALEXIO and ETAS HIL platforms.
Embedded Systems & Communication Testing
Develop automated test procedures for CAN-based communication validation.
Create automation scripts for control and monitoring of network traffic and diagnostic messaging.
Support testing of automotive embedded controllers through simulated environments.
Execute automated verification of message transmission, reception, and protocol compliance.
Utilize J1939 and CAN communication standards for test development and automation.
Required Qualifications
Experience
5-10 years of experience in HIL automation, embedded software testing, test framework development, or related engineering disciplines.
Strong background in software development and automation within automotive or embedded systems environments.
Proven experience building and enhancing automated testing frameworks.
Programming & Automation
Advanced proficiency in Python with strong software engineering fundamentals.
Experience developing scalable, maintainable, and reusable automation frameworks.
Experience with ASAM XiL APIs or similar automation interfaces.
Strong object-oriented programming and debugging skills.
Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automated regression testing methodologies.
HIL & Automotive Tools
Hands-on experience with dSPACE HIL platforms including SCALEXIO, ConfigurationDesk, and ControlDesk.
Experience with ETAS HIL systems and associated toolchains.
Experience integrating automation frameworks with HIL hardware and simulation environments.
Understanding of ECU software integration and embedded control systems.
Test Management & Configuration Control
Experience with IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM/RQM) or IBM Jazz Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) tools.
Experience integrating automated test execution with test management platforms.
Familiarity with IBM ClearCase version control.
Experience maintaining traceability between test requirements, execution, and results.
Communication Protocols
Strong understanding of CAN communications.
Experience with J1939 protocols.
Familiarity with ECU messaging, signal monitoring, and network-based testing.
Experience using industry-standard automotive communication tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical degree.
Experience supporting powertrain, transmission control, or vehicle controller testing.
Experience with ETAS LABCAR environments.
Understanding of model-based simulation environments.
Experience developing automation for large-scale regression test suites.
Knowledge of automotive software development lifecycles and verification processes.
Soft Skills
Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis abilities.
Excellent software debugging and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work effectively across software, controls, systems, and test engineering teams.
Strong written communication and documentation skills.
Self-starter capable of driving automation improvements and framework modernization initiatives.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is a software-focused HIL automation engineer who enjoys building tools and frameworks more than executing manual tests. They possess strong Python development skills, experience with dSPACE and ETAS environments, and a passion for improving automation infrastructure within IBM Jazz-based test management ecosystems. This individual will play a key role in advancing the organization's HIL automation capabilities and reducing manual testing effort through scalable, maintainable software solutions.

Work arrangement
Yes