Lead System Engineer

Job Title: Lead Systems & Perception Engineer – Autonomous Vehicles

Location: Austin, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Systems & Perception Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team developing autonomous and intelligent vehicles. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in system design, integration, and perception systems for unmanned platforms - whether aerial, maritime, or ground-based. This hands-on, high-impact role is perfect for an engineer who thrives on solving complex real-world problems and shaping the next generation of autonomous systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, integration, and development of complex systems for unmanned or autonomous vehicles.
• Architect and maintain system requirements, interface specifications, and high-level designs.
• Integrate perception systems including radar, camera, LiDAR, GPS, and other sensors to enable robust situational awareness.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure system performance and reliability.
• Conduct engineering trade studies, analysis, and verification of subsystems and integrated systems.
• Develop calibration tooling, testing procedures, and validation methods to ensure system requirements are met.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Interface with stakeholders to define requirements, support design reviews, and ensure timely delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and integrating complex systems, ideally for autonomous or unmanned vehicles.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on experience with system design, integration, and testing.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks) and engineering analysis methods.
• Experience with sensors and perception systems (radar, LiDAR, cameras, GPS) and their integration into vehicles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with autonomous platforms in challenging environments (aerial, maritime, or ground).
• Familiarity with dynamic operational environments, variable lighting, or low-contrast targets.
• Prior work on defense or government programs.
• Knowledge of vibration, shock, or harsh environmental testing standards.
• Professional Engineering license or equivalent certification.