Jobs · Quality Assurance · Michigan

Software Integration Engineer - Defense

Applied Intuition · Ann Arbor, MI · 1 mo ago
On-siteQuality Assurance$120k–$170k/yrFull-time

About the role

We're looking for a Systems Integration Engineer to own the hardware and software decisions that make a vehicle build actually work — from compute and sensor architecture down to harness routing, sensor tuning, and drive-by-wire (DBW) integration. You'll work hands-on across hardware, embedded, and autonomy software to take a vehicle from architecture to a working, demo-ready system. This is a hands-on systems/hardware engineering role: you'll make and defend real technical tradeoffs (sensor and compute architecture, harness design, DBW tuning approach), and travel onsite — including internationally and for extended stretches — to lead builds and installs in person.

Responsibilities

  • Technical integration & hardware Define hardware architecture for a build (compute, sensors) and drive procurement of long-lead-time components, including supplier onboarding and purchasing-process decisions.
  • Coordinate wiring harness design/build and sensor mounting workstreams, resolving cross-team dependencies between mechanical design, harness build, and shipping timelines.
  • Specify sensor tuning requirements (e.g., camera ISP parameters, resolution, glass-to-glass latency) in partnership with hardware and perception teams, and track them to closure.
  • Autonomy & drive-by-wire coordination Partner with autonomy and low-level controls teams to scope DBW validation and tuning plans, distinguishing what's needed for teleoperation vs. full autonomy.
  • Identify and flag technical risk early (e.g., insufficient DBW tuning lead time ahead of a demo) directly to the engineering team, and drive a resolution.
  • Field operations & site standup Travel onsite — domestically and internationally, including extended stays — to lead vehicle builds, hardware installs, and demo prep in person.
  • Scope new operational sites in new regions from an engineering standpoint: assess power/network/IT infrastructure needs and prep hardware for regulatory/compliance site visits.
  • Cross-functional engineering collaboration Work daily across hardware, embedded, and autonomy software teams to resolve integration issues and keep builds moving.
  • Communicate fluidly between deep technical detail and higher-level engineering summaries when working with adjacent teams.

Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience in systems/integration engineering, ideally on automotive, robotics, defense, or autonomy programs.
  • Working knowledge of vehicle hardware integration — harnessing, sensor/compute mounting, and hardware architecture — sufficient to make and defend build decisions.
  • Comfortable making and owning real engineering tradeoffs under a firm deadline (e.g., tuning approach, sensor spec, hardware architecture).
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including internationally and for multi-week stretches.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, able to move fluidly between deep technical detail and higher-level engineering summaries.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must hold or be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance

Qualifications

  • Experience with drive-by-wire (DBW) systems and low-level vehicle controls (PID tuning, system identification, slippage/traction compensation).
  • Experience specifying or validating camera/sensor requirements (ISP tuning, latency, resolution, frame rate).
  • Experience standing up new operational sites or facilities, including vendor sourcing and regulatory/permit coordination.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience on defense or government customer programs.

Benefits

  • Base salary (component of total compensation)
  • Equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage
  • 401k retirement benefits with employer match
  • Learning and wellness stipends
  • Paid time off
  • Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Pay

Compensation Range: $120K - $170K. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units.

Schedule

We are an in‑office company, and our expectation is

Similar jobs