Functional Systems Lead

Peak Energy•Burlingame, CA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Peak Energy is seeking a Functional Systems Lead to own system-level architecture, requirements, and integration across embedded software, electrical systems, and controls for our energy storage products. This role sits at the intersection of embedded systems, electrical engineering, and system modeling, ensuring our products are safe, reliable, and performant from cell to grid. You will lead the definition of functional requirements, system behavior, and safety architecture, while partnering closely with embedded, hardware, and modeling teams—and may directly oversee embedded software development for safety-critical functions. This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity and wants to shape both product and engineering direction.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in systems engineering, embedded systems, or electrical engineering , with 3–5+ years in technical leadership
Strong background in safety-critical systems (battery systems, automotive, aerospace, industrial, or similar)
Experience defining and managing system requirements, interfaces, and architecture
Deep understanding of embedded systems and real-time controls
Familiarity with electrical systems (power electronics, battery systems, sensing, protections)
Experience with system modeling and simulation (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar)
Strong experience with DFMEA, fault handling, and system reliability engineering
Experience driving cross-functional integration across hardware, software, and systems teams
Excellent communication skills and ability to operate across multiple technical domains
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Nice To Haves

Experience with battery management systems (BMS) or energy storage systems
Background in functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, UL 9540, etc.)
Experience leading or mentoring embedded software teams
Familiarity with grid-scale energy systems, EMS, or power systems integration
Experience in startup or high-growth environments

Responsibilities

Own system-level architecture and functional definition for energy storage systems (BMS, controls, protections, EMS integration)
Define and manage system requirements, interfaces, and traceability from cell → module → pack → system → grid
Lead functional safety architecture , including fault detection, diagnostics, and protection strategies
Drive systems integration across embedded software, power electronics, thermal, and mechanical subsystems
Partner with embedded teams to guide development of real-time, safety-critical firmware (controls, protections, communication)
Develop and validate system models (performance, thermal, electrical behavior, fault conditions) to inform design decisions
Lead verification & validation strategy (DV/PV), including test definition, coverage, and requirements validation
Support certification efforts (UL, IEC, IEEE), ensuring compliance at the system level
Identify system risks and drive DFMEA, fault analysis, and mitigation strategies
Build and mentor a high-performing systems/embedded team , setting clear ownership and technical direction