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

Applied Intuition • Ann Arbor, MI

17d • $160,000 - $220,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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. At Applied, we empower leaders to make meaningful decisions, build high-performing teams, and work directly with users and program stakeholders to drive impact.

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
• Demonstrated ability to build structure from scratch in ambiguous, early-stage environments

Nice To Haves

• 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)

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed