Engineering Manager, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced engineering leader to build and lead a new Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing capability for our defense products.

This is a rare opportunity to stand up a team and lab from the ground up, shaping both the technical direction and culture of a critical function within our defense autonomy program.

Responsibilities

• Own the vision, planning, and execution of a new state-of-the-art Defense HIL lab in Ann Arbor, MI
• Build and lead a team of HIL engineers, defining roles, hiring talent, and developing individuals as the program scales
• Set technical strategy for HIL integration across defense programs, ensuring the lab supports representative test environments for aerial and maritime platforms
• Partner closely with defense program leads, systems engineers, and autonomy teams to align HIL priorities with program milestones
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, software, and field teams to deliver integrated, high-fidelity test solutions

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience, with at least 2–3 years in an engineering leadership or team lead capacity
• Proven ability to hire, mentor, and grow technical teams in a fast-moving environment
• Deep familiarity with real-time hardware platforms (e.g., dSPACE, Speedgoat, or equivalent) and HIL lab infrastructure
• Ability to translate program requirements into a cohesive technical roadmap and lab development plan
• Strong communicator who can represent the HIL function to senior leadership and external defense customers
• Thrives in ambiguous, early-stage environments and has demonstrated ability to build structure from scratch

Qualifications

• Nice to have: Hands-on experience with HIL integrations across aerial and/or maritime defense domains
• Familiarity with software development practices (C/C++/Python) and the ability to engage credibly with software-focused engineers
• Experience working within defense programs, including familiarity with relevant compliance and testing standards
• Background in systems integration or model-based design (e.g., Simulink/Modelica)

Skills

• Technical expertise in real-time hardware platforms and HIL lab infrastructure
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and external defense customers
• Experience in building and leading technical teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in ambiguous, early-stage environments

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule, including occasional remote work options
• Opportunity to shape a critical function within a rapidly growing company
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and advancement

Pay

$160K - $220K

Schedule

Primarily works from the Applied Intuition office 5 days a week, with occasional remote work options.