Staff Electrical Systems Engineer

About the role

Arc is on a mission to electrify the marine industry, rethinking powertrains, software, and vessel designs from first principles. The technology is proven, and we're scaling production of our flagship model while extending our platform to commercial applications including tugs, ferries, and defense. As Arc's Electrical Systems Engineer, you will own the design, build, integration and execution of the electrical systems on our commercial vessels.

What You'll Do

• Own the design and integration of high and low voltage electrical systems for commercial marine vessels
• Develop and maintain electrical topologies, I/O maps, and wiring/harnessing definitions
• Write clear functional specifications and collaborate closely with the control software team to ensure seamless hardware-software integration
• Lead hardware trade studies, component selection, and evaluate suppliers
• Get hands-on with testing, troubleshooting, and debugging HV/LV systems in benchtop, HIL, and field environments
• Support sea trials to validate systems and ensure feature parity between bench test setups and production vessels
• Interface with component suppliers, partner shipyards, and vessel operators, including occasional travel (10-15% of the time)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in electrical systems integration, hardware development, or system-level engineering
• Strong understanding of HV/LV electrical systems, power distribution, sensors, and actuators
• Familiarity with automotive or industrial communication protocols (CAN/J1939, Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT)
• Hands-on experience debugging HV/LV systems, harnesses, and hardware-to-software interfaces using tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes
• Experience developing system requirements, I/O allocation maps, interface definitions, and architectural documentation
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate physical hardware requirements into functional specs for software teams
• Ability to take ownership of problems, drive them to closure, and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment
• This position may require access to information controlled under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be a 'U.S. person' as defined by ITAR (22 CFR120.62) — i.e., a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual (asylee or refugee).

Bonus Qualifications

• Background in industrial automation, automotive EV, marine, robotics, or aerospace electrical architectures
• Knowledge of industrial electrical control panel layouts and design standards
• Experience with Battery Management Systems, either at automotive or BESS scale
• Understanding of ABS, USCG, IEEE, or IEC standards for commercial marine vessels
• Familiarity with functional safety concepts (e.g., hazard analysis, DFMEA, safety goals, fault handling)
• Experience with EMC/EMI design, shielding, and grounding practices in high-power environments
• Proficiency with electrical schematic and drafting tools (e.g. EPLAN, Zuken, AutoCAD Electrical, or Visio)

Pay

• Annual base salary: $190,000
• Highly competitive equity grants included with full time offers
• Semi-annual bonuses tied to your impact, not just your tenure

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits — 99% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision
• Parental leave — 14 weeks fully paid for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Generous time off — Highly competitive PTO with an opportunity to earn more time with tenure
• Income protection — Life and disability insurance for all employees
• Retirement savings — Traditional and Roth 401(k) access
• Water fund — $500 for you to spend each year to get out on the water, however you choose
• Professional development — $500 annual reimbursement for professional development and a monthly AI stipend
• Safety Support — Annual reimbursement for PPE, ergonomic equipment and anything that ensures we keep our crew safe
• Captain training — Training and access to take Arcboats out with friends and family
• Office perks — Daily lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
• Relocation assistance — Available depending on role eligibility

Our values

We move with urgency and build with care. We value these five things above all else:

• Ownership over both your work and the company's success
• Empathy for colleagues and for customers
• Humility in problem solving and collaboration
• Pragmatism for navigating ambiguity quickly and sensibly
• Inclusion of different backgrounds, opinions, cultures, and perspectives

We want people who share and embody these values. It is vital that our values align — we'd be happy to elaborate on any or all of these during the interview process.