Principal Engineer

Actalent is hiring a Principal Engineer to lead exploration and development of vehicle control strategies for engine and electric vehicle platforms. This onsite contract-to-hire role in Hagerstown, MD focuses on building control system requirements, driving verification through PIL testing, and contributing to model-based design and electrification or hybrid powertrain strategy development.

Role summary

The Principal Engineer will develop control strategies and system-level requirements for vehicle control systems, including electrification and hybrid powertrain elements. Work includes verification activities, model-based design support, and development of strategies tied to HVBMS, inverter control, and motor torque.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploration of applicable technologies, systems, and methods for vehicle control strategies.
• Develop and implement advanced strategies and system-level requirements for vehicle control systems.
• Support control strategy development and verification across components and vehicle systems.
• Draft functional requirements for control integration and adaptation.
• Use CAN Bus SAE J1939 and tools such as Vector and PEAK.
• Conduct PIL Testing as part of verification.
• Ensure compliance with function safety standards including ISO and IEC61508.
• Provide technical mentorship by reviewing architecture, setting standards, and guiding team members.
• Manage projects and contribute to model-based design using MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow.
• Develop electrification and hybrid powertrain strategies, including HVBMS, inverter control, and motor torque strategies.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Proficiency in C++ and design; embedded experience with C/C++.
• Experience with Stateflow.
• Control integration and adaptation experience, preferably in mobile or hydraulics.
• Experience with CAN Bus SAE J1939 and tool usage including Vector and PEAK.
• Knowledge of PIL Testing.
• Familiarity with function safety standards such as ISO and IEC61508.
• Strong project management skills.
• Model-based design experience using MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow.
• Automotive or heavy-duty vehicle background with vehicle control system experience.
• Experience with automotive or heavy-duty vehicle CAN bus and architecture, plus Vector/PEAK/etc. tool experience.
• MathWorks experience.
• Advanced qualification pathways: 8+ years with a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years with a master’s degree, or 2+ years with a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.

Technologies

• C++, C/C++, Stateflow
• CAN Bus SAE J1939
• Vector, PEAK
• PIL Testing
• ISO, IEC61508
• MATLAB, Simulink
• HVBMS, inverter control, motor torque strategies
• MathWorks

Compensation

• $67.00 - $67.00 per hour
• Individual compensation within the range depends on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for 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)

Work environment

• Office setting
• As a consultant: 10 paid holidays and two weeks of vacation

This Contract to Hire position is based in Hagerstown, MD and is fully onsite. The anticipated application closing date is Oct 3, 2026.