Test Engineer - UX/UI and EV Routing (In Vehicle Infotainment)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Test Engineer - UX/UI and EV Routing (In Vehicle Infotainment)

Company: IONNA LLC

Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Quality Assurance / Test Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Own the end-to-end user experience for in-vehicle infotainment systems and automotive applications, with a strong emphasis on Electric Vehicle (EV) routing and charging station integration.

• Critically evaluate and test the on-screen user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to ensure clarity, accuracy, and ease of use under real driving conditions.

• Drive and validate all infotainment and application updates impacting the user experience, ensuring meticulous quality and attention to detail.

• Serve as the go-to subject matter expert for EV routing and charging integration within the infotainment system, providing deep knowledge and insights.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, software engineers, and data teams to enhance the overall quality and user-centricity of IONNA's network and associated applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not directly in Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM, it requires a strong understanding of user experience and system integration, which are critical components of customer-facing operations. The ability to meticulously test and validate user flows, data accuracy, and system performance directly impacts customer satisfaction and adoption, mirroring the goals of operations teams focused on optimizing the customer journey.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, write, and execute comprehensive manual and automated test cases for in-vehicle infotainment screens and automotive apps, focusing on usability, layout, and interaction design.

• Rigorously test the integration between in-vehicle navigation systems and IONNA's charging network data, verifying real-time station status, availability, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and routing recommendations.

• Validate the functionality and accuracy of electric vehicle trip planning features, including range estimation, charger stop suggestions, and dynamic rerouting based on changing conditions.

• Conduct thorough usability testing on infotainment interfaces, meticulously documenting friction points, confusing user flows, accessibility gaps, and inconsistencies against established design specifications.

• Log, prioritize, and track defects through their lifecycle to resolution, working collaboratively with designers and engineers to confirm that fixes meet both functional and experiential requirements.

• Support in-vehicle and bench testing across various automotive platforms, head units, and simulated driving scenarios to ensure robust performance.

• Contribute to the development of detailed test plans, acceptance criteria, and quality checklists for new features prior to their release.

• Partner closely with product and UX teams to translate design intent into testable, measurable quality standards that align with user needs.

• Maintain clear and concise documentation of test coverage, test results, and known issues for each software release cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a deep dive into user-facing systems and data integration, which are foundational to customer success and retention. For operations professionals, understanding how these systems function and how their quality impacts the end-user is crucial for aligning GTM strategies with product capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Human Computer Interaction, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience. Recent graduates with exceptional skills and relevant internship experience will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in software quality assurance, test engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Required Skills:

• Genuine interest in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, with a keen eye for detail in layout, navigation flow, and visual consistency.

• Basic understanding of mobile or embedded application testing methodologies, including manual test execution and defect tracking processes.

• Proven experience in test case management (e.g., TestRail) and defect management systems (e.g., JIRA).

• Exceptional communication and task management skills, with the ability to effectively progress discussions with key stakeholders across different departments.

• Comfort working in environments with ambiguity and a demonstrated willingness to learn automotive-specific concepts such as OCPP charging protocols and in-vehicle navigation systems. Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to automotive infotainment platforms such as native OEM infotainment systems, Android Automotive, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.

• Coursework or project experience related to electric vehicle systems, routing algorithms, or geospatial applications.

• Experience with basic scripting or automation, such as Python, for test data preparation or simple automated checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of UX/UI focus with technical testing and automotive specifics highlights a specialized testing role. For operations candidates, this translates to understanding the importance of user-centric design in any system they manage, from CRM to marketing automation. The mention of Python for scripting suggests an opportunity to leverage automation skills, a core competency in modern operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of meticulously designed and executed test cases, demonstrating a systematic approach to quality assurance.

• Include case studies or examples of how you identified and documented critical defects, highlighting the impact on user experience and the resolution process.

• Present documentation of test coverage and results, illustrating your ability to track progress and communicate quality status effectively.

• If applicable, provide examples of how you've contributed to improving test processes or workflows, emphasizing efficiency gains or enhanced quality outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating clear and concise test plans that outline scope, objectives, and methodologies.

• Illustrate your ability to document user flows and interaction sequences from a testing perspective, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the user journey.

• Provide examples of how you've documented bug reports with sufficient detail for developers to reproduce and resolve issues efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional operations role, the emphasis on process documentation and portfolio building is highly relevant. Operations professionals are expected to document processes, create dashboards, and present data-driven insights. This candidate's ability to meticulously document testing processes and showcase their work is directly transferable to operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year. Final compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Paid Holidays.

• Bonus Programs.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with an expectation of full-time onsite presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a Test Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in a specialized technical field within a tech-forward industry. The benefits package is competitive and standard for full-time roles in the US. For operations roles, benefits like 401(k) and health insurance are crucial, and bonus programs often tie into team or company performance, reflecting the results-oriented nature of operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure & Automotive Technology. IONNA is a joint venture founded by seven global automotive leaders (BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, and Stellantis), positioning it at the forefront of the evolving automotive and energy sectors.

Company Size: The exact size of IONNA is not specified, but as a joint venture backed by major automotive manufacturers, it is likely to be a rapidly growing organization with significant resources and a strategic focus on establishing a robust charging network. This implies a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.

Founded: Founded by a consortium of major automotive leaders, indicating a strong foundation and a mission to create a standardized, high-powered charging network across North America. This collaborative origin suggests a culture that values partnership and industry-wide impact.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Director of Testing and Head of Charger Evaluation, indicating a structured testing department focused on core product quality.

• The Test Engineer will work closely with UX designers, software engineers, and data teams, highlighting a cross-functional collaboration model essential for product development.

• The emphasis on owning specific features (EV routing, charger integration) suggests specialized teams or pods within the broader engineering and product development structure. Methodology:

• A strong focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) testing, ensuring that complex technical systems are translated into intuitive and effortless driver experiences.

• Emphasis on data integration and real-time validation, critical for the accurate functioning of an EV charging network.

• A commitment to continuous improvement through rigorous testing of software updates and validation of new features before deployment.

Company Website: ionna.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of IONNA as a major automotive joint venture suggests a company culture that is ambitious, technically sophisticated, and focused on large-scale impact. For operations professionals, this means an environment where data, efficiency, and customer experience are paramount, and where strategic initiatives are driven by industry leaders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized Test Engineer, likely at an early to mid-career level (2-5 years of experience). It offers deep ownership of a critical product area, allowing for significant expertise development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of Testing and Head of Charger Evaluation, indicating a clear line of reporting within a dedicated quality assurance function. This structure allows for mentorship and clear performance management.

Operations Impact: While not a direct operations role, the impact on the "customer" (the EV driver) is profound. By ensuring the seamless and intuitive functioning of EV routing and charging integration within the infotainment system, this role directly influences driver satisfaction, adoption of IONNA's network, and overall brand perception. This aligns with the operational goal of optimizing the customer journey for retention and advocacy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UX/UI testing, EV routing algorithms, and infotainment systems, becoming a sought-after specialist in a rapidly growing industry.

• Automation: Develop advanced skills in test automation, potentially leading to roles focused on building and maintaining automated testing frameworks.

• Cross-functional Leadership: With proven success, opportunities may arise to influence product development strategy, collaborate more broadly with product management, or transition into roles with broader system ownership.

• Industry Advancement: Gain invaluable experience within a pioneering joint venture that is shaping the future of electric mobility, opening doors to various roles within the automotive, tech, or energy sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory from a specialized Test Engineer to roles involving automation, cross-functional influence, or even product management aligns well with the career paths available in operations. Operations professionals often grow by expanding their system ownership, developing analytical and automation skills, and influencing strategic decisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role requiring a full-time presence in Durham, NC. The work environment is expected to be a professional office setting conducive to collaboration and focused technical work.

Office Location(s): Raleigh-Durham, NC. This region is a significant hub for technology and research, offering a vibrant professional community and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with UX designers, software engineers, and data teams, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster teamwork and rapid problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary testing equipment, development environments, and potentially in-vehicle test setups or simulators will be provided to facilitate effective testing.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and engineering discussions are inherent to the role, promoting knowledge sharing and alignment.

Work Schedule: The role implies a standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of being physically present at the Durham, NC office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a full-time role emphasizes a traditional work structure. For operations professionals, understanding the nuances of on-site vs. hybrid vs. remote work is key, as it impacts team dynamics, collaboration tools, and work-life balance. The collaborative nature of the workspace is a common thread in successful operations environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the required skills and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect discussions focused on your experience with software quality assurance, UX/UI testing principles, and your understanding of testing methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your approach to test case design, defect logging, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: You may be asked to present examples from your portfolio demonstrating your testing work, process documentation, or how you've approached complex testing scenarios. This could involve discussing a specific project where you identified critical UX issues or validated intricate system integrations.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your communication skills, ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (designers, engineers), comfort with ambiguity, and cultural fit within IONNA's pioneering environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (Director of Testing, Head of Charger Evaluation) to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and specific contributions you can make.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase UX/UI Acumen: Include examples of test cases specifically targeting usability, visual consistency, and navigation flow. Highlight how you identified and communicated UX friction points.

• Demonstrate System Understanding: If possible, include documentation or case studies related to testing integrations between different systems (e.g., navigation and data feeds).

• Highlight Defect Management: Present examples of well-documented bug reports, emphasizing the clarity of reproduction steps, impact assessment, and follow-through to resolution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work. This could include test coverage achieved, number of critical defects found, or improvements in first-time plug success rates.

• Tailor to IONNA: Research IONNA's mission and values. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills align with their goals of creating a seamless EV charging experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach testing a specific feature, like a new EV routing algorithm or a UI update for charger availability.

• Problem-Solving Exercises: Prepare to walk through your thought process for troubleshooting a complex issue, such as inconsistent charging station data appearing in the infotainment system.

• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining technical concepts and testing results clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and case studies is highly relevant for operations roles, which often require demonstrating project management skills, data analysis capabilities, and process improvement initiatives. Preparing a portfolio that showcases problem-solving, system understanding, and quantifiable results will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Test Case Management: Experience with tools like TestRail is required, indicating a need for structured test planning and execution tracking.

• Defect Tracking: Proficiency in JIRA is essential for logging, prioritizing, and managing issues throughout their lifecycle.

• Infotainment Systems: Familiarity with in-vehicle infotainment platforms, including native OEM systems, Android Automotive, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, is preferred.

• Automotive Specifics: Understanding or willingness to learn automotive concepts like OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) charging protocols and in-vehicle navigation systems is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Validation: While not explicitly stated, the role requires validating real-time data accuracy for charging station status and availability, implying the need to work with data feeds and potentially basic data analysis tools.

• Test Reporting: Maintaining clear documentation of test coverage and results is a key responsibility, suggesting the use of reporting features within test management tools or basic reporting software.

CRM & Automation:

• Scripting/Automation: Basic scripting experience, particularly with Python, is preferred for test data preparation or simple automated checks, aligning with a growing trend in operations for automation.

• Embedded Systems: A basic understanding of embedded application testing is beneficial, reflecting the nature of in-vehicle software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights a blend of standard QA tools (TestRail, JIRA) with specialized automotive and embedded systems knowledge. For operations professionals, familiarity with CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, and business intelligence tools is paramount. The mention of Python indicates a potential for automation, a skill highly valued in operations for streamlining workflows and data analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is ensuring a seamless, clear, and effortless user experience for EV drivers, reflecting a commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality.

• Attention to Detail: The role demands meticulous testing and critique of UI/UX, emphasizing precision and accuracy in all aspects of validation.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working closely with UX designers, software engineers, and data teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.

• Pioneering Spirit: As part of a joint venture shaping the future of EV charging, there's an inherent value placed on innovation, adaptability, and being at the forefront of industry change.

• Continuous Improvement: The role involves testing and validating software updates, underscoring a commitment to ongoing enhancement and quality assurance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to partner closely with product and UX teams to translate design intent into testable standards and work with engineering teams to resolve defects.

• Data-Driven Validation: Testing involves validating real-time data accuracy, suggesting an approach that relies on factual verification and objective assessment.

• Feedback Loop: The process of logging, prioritizing, and tracking defects implies a structured feedback loop between testing, design, and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration are values that resonate strongly within operations teams. Operations professionals are often the bridge between product, sales, and customer success, requiring strong communication and a focus on optimizing the end-to-end customer journey.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• System Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of in-vehicle infotainment systems, EV routing algorithms, and charging network integrations can be complex.

• Ambiguity: Working with evolving technologies and new concepts (like OCPP) requires comfort with ambiguity and a proactive learning approach.

• Real-World Variability: Testing in dynamic driving conditions presents challenges in replicating all potential scenarios and ensuring consistent performance.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring that the UX vision is accurately translated into testable criteria and that defects are resolved effectively across different teams requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Opportunity to become an expert in automotive UX/UI, EV charging infrastructure, and in-vehicle navigation systems.

• Test Automation Skills: Potential to develop or enhance skills in test automation scripting (e.g., Python), a highly valuable skill set in both QA and operations.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain firsthand experience in the rapidly expanding EV market and the collaborative efforts of major automotive manufacturers.

• Mentorship: Working within a structured testing department under experienced leadership offers opportunities for professional guidance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of the EV industry and specialized tech roles. For operations professionals, similar challenges arise in managing complex sales tech stacks, adapting to new GTM strategies, or dealing with data integrity issues. The growth opportunities in automation and domain expertise are directly transferable to operations career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a critical UX issue in a software application. How did you document it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and impact).

• "How would you approach testing the accuracy and usability of EV routing features that depend on real-time charging station data?" (Demonstrate your test design methodology, consideration of edge cases, and data validation approach).

• "Imagine a new infotainment update introduces a confusing navigation flow. What steps would you take to diagnose and report this issue effectively?" (Highlight your systematic troubleshooting and defect reporting skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IONNA and its mission to revolutionize EV charging?" (Research IONNA's joint venture status, its goals, and the impact of its network).

• "How do you stay updated on best practices in UX/UI testing and automotive technology?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams like designers and engineers. How do you ensure effective collaboration?" (Focus on communication, problem-solving, and shared goals). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: Organize your portfolio around key responsibilities: test case design, defect reporting, usability testing, and system integration validation.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics where possible (e.g., "Identified X critical usability defects," "Contributed to Y% test coverage for feature Z").

• Tell a Story: For each example, explain the context, your role, the challenge, your approach, and the positive outcome or lesson learned.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to testing and problem-solving, showing how you translate requirements into actionable test plans and reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is highly applicable to operations roles. Operations interviews often delve into strategic thinking, problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to articulate impact through data and case studies. Practicing these types of questions and refining portfolio presentation will be beneficial for any operations candidate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Test Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in software quality assurance, UX/UI testing, defect management (JIRA), and test case management (TestRail). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong examples that showcase your test case design, defect reporting, and usability testing skills, particularly any automotive or complex system integration experience.

• Research IONNA: Understand their mission, the joint venture structure, and their goal of creating a seamless EV charging experience. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their pioneering culture.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common QA and behavioral questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and collaborative abilities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.