Electrical Controls Engineer

As an Electrical Controls Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing and validating next-generation vehicle control systems. You will transform prototype concepts into production-ready requirements, conduct comprehensive system evaluations, and work within agile teams to ensure vehicle controls meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. This is an excellent opportunity for an independent, technically skilled engineer to grow within a collaborative, cross-functional organization. 

Location:  Mount Vernon, WA

Job Responsibilities 

• Review and evaluate system-level control architecture, requirements, designs, and verification/validation test plans to ensure conformance with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Design and develop rapid control prototype software models using industry-standard tools to validate functional features, verify hardware performance, and establish proof-of-concept demonstrations for control system applications.
• Derive formal technical requirements specifications from validated rapid control prototype models with full traceability to upstream functional requirements and conduct peer technical reviews to ensure accuracy for use in downstream vehicle control software and subsystem implementations.
• Perform troubleshooting and diagnosis of issues, detailed analysis, root-cause investigation, problem resolution and defect reporting.
• Develop Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documentation and comprehensive test plans to identify, prevent, and mitigate risks associated with potential software failure modes.
• Work to develop professional relationships through collaboration, respect, professionalism, trust and integrity.
• Actively participate in scrum teams to develop industry-leading, high-quality, reliable electronic system designs, software, and architecture.
• Perform and communicate within a distributed cross-functional team of embedded, electrical, and mechanical engineers that design, validate, and implement vehicle controls and functionality to support product launches, system integration testing, and field issue resolution.

Qualifications & Skills 

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or in a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in software development in a related field.
• Proficiency in MathWorks MATLAB and Simulink for developing and validating control system models and simulations.
• Strong willingness to learn and apply new software engineering quality processes, methodologies, and tools.
• Self-motivated, independent contributor capable of working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Sound engineering judgment and decision-making capability.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent priorities and adapt to dynamic project demands while maintaining quality standards and meeting commitments.
• Up to 10% of domestic or international travel annually.
• Knowledge of powertrain and vehicle electrical systems preferred.
• Knowledge of control systems design, software development practices (ASPICE), and system architecture as applied to commercial or passenger vehicles preferred.
• Experience with automotive or commercial vehicle communication networks (CAN, SAE J1939, LIN) and familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434) standards preferred.
• Experience with requirements management tools and platforms such as IBM Rational DOORS Next Generation preferred.
• Background or coursework in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or autonomous vehicle control systems preferred.

About PACCAR 

PACCAR, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905 and is recognized as a global leader in the commercial vehicle, financial, and customer service fields. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture, and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 

About Global PACCAR Electronics

The Global PACCAR Electronics organization supports Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF by transforming how control systems and vehicle software are developed for commercial vehicle applications. GPE designs next generation vehicle controls, display systems, and autonomous technologies that raise the bar for customer productivity and safety.
Whether on highways, construction sites, urban centers, or forest roads, PACCAR trucks are recognized for exceptional quality and performance. PACCAR Electronics is central to these product identities—delivering innovations from advanced PTO functionality to intuitive, high value digital displays. Join us as we grow and deliver PACCAR’s future in connectivity, cybersecurity, electrification, and autonomous systems.

PACCAR Benefits

• 401k with up to a 5% company match
• Fully funded pension plan that provides monthly benefits after retirement
• Comprehensive PTO – minimum of 10 paid vacation days (additional days are provided with additional seniority/years of service), 12 paid holidays, and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health account (HSA)
• Paid short-and-long-term disability programs
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• EAP services include wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more

Additional Job Board Information

PACCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability. At PACCAR, we value talent and promote growth and development. We carefully consider numerous compensation factors, including your education, training, or experience. Applicants and employees for this position will not be sponsored for work authorization, including, but not limited to H-1B visas, now or in the future. The salary range for the Electrical Controls Engineer is $77,700 - $116,200 annually. Additionally, this role is eligible for a full range of benefit options listed above. This position is also eligible for a holiday gift. 

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