Ralf Kruse - Automotive System Test Engineer with ISTQB

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Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld, Germany

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Experience

Oct 2023 - Present

3 years 2 months

Builder

Solar Energy Trailer Project

Built a solar energy trailer for decentralized autonomous energy storage and off-grid AC power supply
Tested solar technology devices
Conducted battery tests on 200 Ah 48 V systems
Planned solar plants, storage systems, and distribution systems for solar installations

Aug 2023 - Present

3 years 4 months

Technician

ZAM Erlangen

Assisted with dismantling and reconstruction as well as installation of new systems at ZAM Erlangen, a city-supported project involving CCC and FAU Erlangen
Collaborated on system upgrades and maintenance

Apr 2023 - Jun 2023

3 months

Commissioning Technician

VW Werk Mosel Pilotwerk 23

Commissioned measurement technology for VW ID 3, ID 4, Audi Q4, Seat Cupra
Performed bug finding, tracing, and tracking
Prepared release approvals for measurement technology FDS1 and FDS2
Integrated CANoe measurement technology with LIN and CAN on ICAS 1 and ICAS 3
Reported errors using VW measurement technology tools

Feb 2023 - Mar 2023

2 months

Tester

BMZ Karlstein

Tested Bucher V20 and V50, Microlino mid of line, Kaco Master and Preh Slave systems
Performed error measurement analysis
Worked with Preh user interface and simulators for 48 V systems

Jan 2023 - Jan 2023

1 month

Electromobility Trainee

Alfatraining

Learned about innovations in electromobility
Calculated motor performance and charging station specifications
Studied latest battery systems with high range
Compared different electric vehicle models and series

Apr 2022 - Present

4 years 8 months

Tester

Porsche Elektronikentwicklung Weissach

Performed integration tests on Porsche control units using mobile CAN test benches
Tested FlexRay, CAN, LIN, and Ethernet connectivity and functionality
Evaluated test runs and documented results
Used Göpel test systems NG 1–NG 8, Pfiff ticket system, and AKKA databases to document pass/fail results
Conducted HIL tests to evaluate individual devices

Feb 2022 - Apr 2022

3 months

Test Engineer

Valmet Automotive Bad Friedrichshall

Performed test bench measurements on 48 V systems
Assembled accessories for modular battery systems (400–800 V)
Learned how to set up test benches and assisted with building test stands

Jan 2022 - Jan 2022

1 month

System Analyst

SENEC Heimspeicher Leipzig

Analyzed the design of the V4 home energy storage system
Proposed solutions
Created test cases for system testing
Conducted measurements

May 2021 - Oct 2021

6 months

Test Engineer

Infineon Neubiberg

Measured SiC MOSFETs, IGBTs, and diodes
Conducted overcurrent turn-off tests and determined characteristic curves
Performed quality checks and external analyses
Conducted MMCI measurements and temperature tests within the operating range
Compared product samples and analyzed measurement data using macros

Feb 2021 - Apr 2021

3 months

Test Engineer

Farasis Akkusysteme Frickenhausen

Built system test benches for 400 V battery systems
Measured battery capacity and performed ISO watchdog tests
Implemented protective shutdowns and diagnosed BMS systems
Automated tests and performed emergency stop checks

Aug 2020 - Feb 2021

7 months

System Test Engineer

Advantest Böblingen

Set up and validated VS93000 test benches
Developed and executed test cases for prototype updates
Evaluated results and maintained databases
Built, commissioned, and operated test stands
Documented electrical parameters and maintained SQL databases
Operated FPGA test benches and conducted FPGA tests with pre-series samples

Dec 2019 - Feb 2020

3 months

Battery Test Engineer

Viessmann Battery Testing Allendorf Eder

Created test cases for home energy storage batteries and inverters (Steca 4.6 kW)
Tested the interaction of 2 kW battery modules (2–6 modules) in the complete system
Conducted V-model testing according to ISO 14001
Entered data in Polarion and Scrum
Prepared test procedures for basic B-series tests and failure scenarios with DTC
Optimized the CAPL user interface in the test container

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

1 year

Charging Systems Engineer

Delta Electronics Soest

Built test racks for CCS and CHAdeMO charging systems for Daimler and VW
Installed software and certificates
Checked connectors and managed FPGA flashing and coding
Managed FPGA data and set up multiple test systems in parallel
Planned for CCS 150 kW and 250 kW charging

Jan 2019 - Dec 2019

1 year

ADAS Test Engineer

Magna Electronics Sailauf

Prepared test cases for ADCAM and LiDAR driver assistance systems
Developed test scenarios for BMW driving tests
Documented results in Excel according to ISO 26262
Created presentations on ACC driver assistance
Authored documentation in MS PowerPoint and DOORS
Performed FPGA flashing and updates

Jan 2017 - Dec 2018

2 years

Prototype Test Engineer

Peiker Valeo Friedrichsdorf

Developed Car-to-X authorization prototypes (C + D samples) with CAN interface for Daimler vehicle lines
Tested prototypes in default, programming, and extended sessions
Conducted Qi wireless charging tests (5–15 W) with various phones using QI, NFC, and Bluetooth sniffers
Analyzed system startup, charging handshake, current ramp, and shutdown scenarios
Measured power loss and magnetic flux density using oscilloscopes
Networked body CAN and wireless interfaces and performed timing and interference analyses
Created test cases following ISO 26262 and ISO 15504 standards
Reported detailed test results in DOORS and the ticket system
Coded and flashed FPGA modules (Renesas), performed system updates, and trained new employees
Coordinated with internal teams and Daimler customer teams

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

1 year

Validation Engineer

Valeo Siemens Bad Rodach

Validated KKL climate control systems for BMW
Verified measurement equipment accuracy and monitored calibration values
Managed supplier coordination and created and monitored schedules
Trained staff in climate system testing
Released and tested climate system prototypes in the test room
Verified ISO 26262 compliance

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

2 years

Liechtenstein

Test Engineer

Thyssen Krupp AG

Extended Diadem database and performed acceptance tests for steering systems
Calibrated National Instruments modules and tested steering angle sensor parameters
Programmed and flashed FPGA test systems
Measured with oscilloscopes and magnetic field analyzers
Inventoried measurement devices and built a calibration test bench
Trained staff and optimized warehouse logistics with database and scanner integration

Jan 2014 - Dec 2016

3 years

Test Engineer

Hochschule Esslingen, Institut INEM

Conducted vehicle tests with Tesla Model S85: charging, range, and climate system tests
Analyzed thermal battery conditioning, balancer activation/deactivation points, permissible drifts, and limits

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

2 years

Development Engineer

Schaeffler AG Herzogenaurach

Developed roll stabilization adaptive suspension test stands for BMW and Porsche
Integrated Vector CANoe and VT systems
Performed endurance, sand, dust, moisture, cold, and warm tests
Tested safety features according to ISO 26262 and Automotive SPICE
Calibrated test equipment and integrated prototypes into existing test benches
Conducted C + D sample tests with trace analysis and system release procedures

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Test Engineer

Porsche AG Manufaktur 918 Zuffenhausen

Extended OBD 3 wireless test database and verified wireless interface
Managed ODX and OTX data integration into directory paths and containers
Updated variants and series identifiers and enhanced diagnostic GUI
Maintained directory tree with latest diagnostic data for the Porsche 918 pre-series launch

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

1 year

Kleinandelfingen, Switzerland

Lift Control Tester

Swisslift AG

Tested elevator control systems and safety modules for Thyssen and Haushahn
Executed checklists and acceptance tests
Performed system and practical tests, FPGA flashing and data coding for elevator controls
Configured data sets and commissioned test racks
Conducted fault analysis and final isolation measurements

Jan 2012 - Dec 2013

2 years

Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany

R&D Engineer

Valeo Schalter/Sensoren GmbH

Developed pre-series ultrasonic sensors for automatic parking assistance
Measured sound pressure, emission, and immission under various interference conditions
Used Polytec PSV-500 laser vibrometer and oscilloscopes for sensor characterization
Assembled sensors, applied damping materials, and engraved identifiers
Archived golden samples, updated databases, and produced technical data reports
Presented measurement results

Jan 2011 - Dec 2012

2 years

Vilsbiburg, Germany

Development Engineer

Draexlmaier

Tested thermal pre-conditioning for BMW i3 and i8 battery prototypes (C0–D samples)
Utilized Vector CANoe and GUIs for load tests and parameterized characteristic curves
Determined heating requirements per ambient temperature
Created test cases from requirements specifications
Monitored DTC errors and maintained ASIL and Automotive SPICE safety standards
Entered and analyzed data in DOORS and optimized control mechanisms
Evaluated CAN/LIN signals and alarm scenarios using multimeter and oscilloscope

Jan 2010 - Dec 2010

1 year

Stuttgart, Germany

LKW Test Engineer

Daimler AG

Flashed and coded software updates for Actros trucks
Tested prototype trucks in endurance runs
Applied new releases and configured variant and series coding
Parameterized special equipment and system functions
Conducted detailed function tests

Jan 2009 - Dec 2010

2 years

Munich, Germany

Medical Courier

Ontime Kurier

Transported medically extracted human bone marrow for DKMS internationally (USA, Europe)
Coordinated time-critical, life-dependent shipments to destinations including Washington, Kansas, Dallas, Phoenix, and Graz
Ensured accurate scheduling and documentation in English
Trained new couriers in airport procedures

Jan 2009 - Dec 2009

1 year

Kristiansund, Norway

Automotive Electrician

Slatlem

Performed maintenance on Subaru, Peugeot, and BMW vehicles
Translated diagnostic tool interfaces
Installed special equipment such as navigation systems and trailer hitches

Jan 2008 - Dec 2009

2 years

Ehra-Lessien, Germany

Prototype Test Engineer

Semcon

Prototyped VW XL1 and conducted ACC/ESP driver tests on T5 GP
Developed wiring diagrams for VW Polo, T5, LT 35, and XL1
Designed fuse layouts and system shutdown strategies for XL1
Tested ACC system safety, series release, and radar calibration on F01, F02, F10 prototypes at BMW FIZ and Aschheim and Miramas, France

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

2 years

Industrial Electrician

DB / I+ME Actia

Maintained ICE1–ICE3 HVAC and door systems at Stuttgart HBF and Munich repair shop
Expanded UMTS systems and configured front-end software for diagnostics and airbag routines per ISO 9001

Jan 2004 - Dec 2006

3 years

IT Systems Trainee

FBD Bildungspark Stuttgart

Studied HTML, Java integration, ODX/OTX modules, C programming, UML, networking, GSM/UMTS (Vodafone D2)
Interned at Vodafone D2 Stuttgart-Weilimdorf on network comparison vehicles (D1, D2, E-Plus, UMTS)
Prepared Bundesnetzagentur vehicle with Qualcomm equipment for radio network quality analysis

Jan 2003 - Dec 2003

1 year

Stuttgart, Germany

Marketing Assistant

Dekra Akademie

Managed training course database and maintained HTTP website
Conducted market research, competitive analysis, and pricing
Provided telephone service and analyzed course utilization

Jan 1995 - Dec 2002

8 years

Sindelfingen, Germany

Industrial Electrician

Mercedes-Benz

Performed preventive maintenance and automation work on E-Class and C-Class production lines
Worked with robotics, PLCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, and conveyor automation

Jan 1992 - Dec 2007

16 years

Electrotechnician / Electrician

Freelance Automotive Electrician

Worked on building installations, control cabinet assembly, and safety inspections in Switzerland (Swisscom, Lonza AG)
Conducted insulation tests and coordinated tasks and materials
Maintained and tested lighting control systems and conveyor belts
Instructed colleagues

Various

Education / Certification Programs

Completed training in solar technology, electromobility, MATLAB Simulink, Angular, CANoe/CANape, LabVIEW, Diadem, DGUV HV safety, Polytec laser vibrometer, HTML/XML/Java, Siemens Simatic PLC, pneumatics and hydraulics

Industry experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Automotive, Telecommunication, Chemical, Manufacturing, Education, and Transportation.

Automotive

Telecommunication

Chemical

Manufacturing

Education

Transportation

Business area experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Quality Assurance, Operations, Product Development, Production, Research and Development, and Logistics.

Quality Assurance

Operations

Product Development

Production

Research and Development

Logistics

Summary

System testing in automotive development
Testing electronic components at various stages of system testing
Testing, flashing, provisioning, coding, and updating PCBs; white-box + black-box testing
Electronic components and prototypes before series release: from B-sample stage to pre-series production
Test driver for pre-series prototype vehicles
Flashing control units, coding equipment features, and updating complete vehicles
Measurement tasks, calibrating individual assemblies, updating measurement technology and equipment
Flashing, coding, versioning, and updating FPGAs
Managing measuring devices, maintaining inventory of measurement systems, repairs, and maintenance
Diagnostic tools, front-end provisioning, flashing and coding FPGA components
CAN/Flexray/LIN data buses, Car to X communication
Creating test cases based on requirements, adding to and expanding them for each prototype stage
Database maintenance, prototype approval, ISTQB software testing, testing in compliance with ISO26262
Setting up, commissioning, and inspecting test benches
Oscilloscope measurements, determining and documenting electrical characteristics
Operating test benches, testing pre-series prototypes according to test plans
Recording actual and target states and entering them into databases
Working with MKS / PTC Integrity, Doors, Python, Diadem, Excel databases, etc.
Jira and Confluence in system testing
Optimizing Matlab Simulink user interfaces
Editing, modifying, and optimizing MATLAB SIMULINK interfaces
Working with COMEMSO software
Planning and modeling business processes using various tools

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Oct 2004 - Jun 2006

FBD Bildungspark Stuttgart

IT Systemkaufmann · Stuttgart, Germany

Oct 1992 - Jun 1996

Berufskolleg Elektrotechnik Gottlieb Daimler Schule Böblingen

Industrieelektroniker Produktionstechnik, Automatisierungs-und Energie-Techniker (IHK) · Industrial Electronics Production Technology · Böblingen, Germany

Oct 1981 - Jun 1990

Neues Gymnasium Stuttgart Feuerbach

Abitur · Stuttgart, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Kfz-Elektronik-Weiterbildung Zertifikat zur Schulung mit CAN Bus und Diagnose

ABW GmbH Angermünde (bei Berlin)

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 33

Experience in Automotive 33 y

Avg length 2 y

Longest experience 15 y 11 m

Global experience

Countries worked in 4 (Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Builder, Technician, Commissioning Technician

Main industries Automotive, Telecommunication, Chemical

Main business areas Quality Assurance, Operations, Product Development

Qualifications

Certifications earned 2

Member since

October 2025

Last update

October 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Find more information here.

Ralf is based in Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld, Germany.

Ralf speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

Ralf has at least 34 years of experience. During this time, Ralf has worked in at least 23 different roles and for 32 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month. Note that Ralf may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Based on recent experience, Ralf would be well-suited for roles such as: Builder, Technician, Commissioning Technician.

Ralf's most recent position is Builder at Solar Energy Trailer Project.

In recent years, Ralf has worked for Solar Energy Trailer Project, ZAM Erlangen, VW Werk Mosel Pilotwerk 23, BMZ Karlstein, and Alfatraining.

Ralf is most experienced in industries like Automotive, Telecommunication, and Chemical. Ralf also has some experience in Manufacturing, Education, and Transportation.

Ralf is most experienced in business areas like Quality Assurance, Operations, and Product Development. Ralf also has some experience in Production, Research and Development, and Information Technology.

Ralf has recently worked in industries like Automotive, Education, and Manufacturing.

Ralf has recently worked in business areas like Quality Assurance, Operations, and Product Development.

Ralf attended FBD Bildungspark Stuttgart for IT Systemkaufmann.

Ralf has 2 certificates. These include: Kfz-Elektronik-Weiterbildung Zertifikat zur Schulung mit CAN Bus und Diagnose and ISTQB Softwaretesting.

The availability of Ralf needs to be confirmed.

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Daily rate avg. 800 €

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Median rate 800 €

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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 6 Nov 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.