Lead Electrical / Embedded Systems Engineer

Hi-Lex Controls • Rochester Hills, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Electrical / Embedded Systems Engineer is the technical lead for motor electronics and embedded software on HI-LEX’s Engineering / R&D team. Based at the Rochester Hills Technical Center and reporting to the Director of Engineering, the role leads development of next-generation smart window lifter motors as HI-LEX brings the design and manufacture of integrated motor-drive hardware and software in-house. The engineer owns the motor-driving electronics (PCBA) and embedded software, ensures communication with vehicle body controllers, and supports adherence to automotive safety standards.

The role collaborates with HI-LEX divisions in Italy and Japan to transfer knowledge, learn from existing technologies, and align engineering practices. It also serves as the primary technical liaison with external PCB Assembly partners and automotive OEM customers, overseeing development, validation, and the transition from product concept through manufacturing and mass production.

The position is based in an office environment, with periodic factory visits and the ability to travel domestically and internationally to HI-LEX divisions, PCBA partners, and OEM customers. Physical requirements include lifting up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering from an accredited institution.
• At least 5 years of experience in embedded systems engineering involving hardware and software, ideally in the automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier industry.
• Proven background in motor control systems and electro-mechanical integration.
• Experience taking a product from concept through PCBA manufacturing and into mass production.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming.
• Strong microprocessor-based motor electronics design skills.
• Hands-on experience with automotive communication protocols, including LIN and CAN.
• Experience designing and testing safety-critical algorithms, such as pinch protection.
• Excellent English communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to internal stakeholders and external OEM customers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to HI-LEX global divisions, PCBA partners, and OEM customers.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Experience dealing directly with major automotive OEMs for product qualification and PPAP approval.
• Experience working with international engineering teams.
• Familiarity with automotive functional safety standards, including ISO 26262.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of embedded electronics (PCBA) and software for automotive window lifter motors.
• Develop robust embedded C/C++ code for motor control, diagnostics, and system management.
• Implement and calibrate anti-pinch (anti-trap) protection algorithms and ensure applicable automotive safety requirements are met.
• Develop and validate CAN and LIN communication interfaces to integrate with OEM body control modules.
• Collaborate with HI-LEX’s Italy and Japan divisions through knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and joint development.
• Manage relationships with external PCBA contract manufacturers, including design for manufacturability, prototyping, and transition to mass production.
• Work directly with automotive OEMs to capture system requirements, define technical specifications, and resolve engineering challenges.
• Lead hardware and software validation to meet OEM-specific testing, environmental, and approval requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior