Principal Systems Engineer - Compute Platform Integration

Torc Robotics • Ann Arbor, MI

3d

About The Position

Torc is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across compute and electrical integration for its autonomous driving compute platform. The role spans hardware abstraction, middleware, safety and security boundaries, and system validation, helping ensure the platform scales reliably across vehicle platforms, OEM configurations, and future product evolutions.

The engineer will define system-level technical direction and drive integration robustness and production readiness. This includes architecting system interfaces, setting technical guardrails, owning key milestones, and resolving cross-domain blockers. The role works across software, hardware, validation, and safety teams to ensure the Autonomous Driving Kit is production-quality, testable, and maintainable. The position also contributes to product planning and technical roadmapping, and mentors senior and staff engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or Systems Engineering; a PhD is a plus.
• 15 or more years of experience in systems engineering, software/hardware integration, or platform-level product development.
• Deep expertise in compute platform integration, embedded systems, electrical/software boundary design, and system-level validation.
• Hands-on experience with real-time Linux, virtualization, automotive networking (CAN, Ethernet, TSN), and power distribution.
• Strong working knowledge of system safety (ISO 26262), diagnostics (UDS/DIDs), and OTA infrastructure.
• Experience with tools and processes for integration maturity tracking, root-cause analysis, and field issue triage.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, GitHub-based workflows, and release engineering.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and align technical priorities with long-term product vision.
• Ability to work across software, hardware, and vehicle teams in a fast-paced product organization.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience delivering scalable autonomy platforms or compute hardware into production vehicles.
• Experience working with global OEMs and managing technical interactions across organizational boundaries.
• Experience with system simulation, HIL/SIL validation, and multi-modal integration strategies.
• Ability to debug platform-level hardware/software issues and drive resolution across domain boundaries.
• A demonstrated track record of leading by influence, fostering technical excellence, and building a strong engineering culture.
• PhD in Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or Systems Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive system-level architecture, electrical/software interface alignment, and cross-domain integration strategy.
• Serve as technical authority for complex system-level decisions involving compute, networking, power, sensors, and software abstraction.
• Lead definition and implementation of integration maturity milestones and release-readiness criteria.
• Collaborate with platform, diagnostics, validation, and functional safety teams to ensure holistic system behavior.
• Influence system decomposition strategies, network architecture decisions, and bring-up validation plans.
• Guide design reviews, debug sessions, and integration planning with internal and OEM-facing teams.
• Identify platform risks early and lead root-cause resolution with a focus on long-term scalability.
• Participate in product planning and technical roadmapping across the Compute Foundation division.
• Drive best practices for configuration management, requirements traceability, and verification strategies.
• Mentor senior and staff engineers across the division and contribute to a high-performance technical culture.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options.
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees.
• 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match.
• Flexible schedule and generous paid vacation, available immediately after the start date.
• AD+D and life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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