Hybrid Staff Hardware Engineer – Autonomous Vehicle Compute, Sensor Systems

at FERNRIDE

• Job title: Staff Hardware Engineer – Autonomous Vehicle Compute, Sensor Systems
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Python
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Munich, Germany

About the role

• Staff Hardware Engineer responsible for hardware design of compute and sensor systems for autonomous vehicles. Leading prototype integration, validation, and cross-functional collaboration for mission-critical logistics.

Responsibilities

• Compute & sensor set design: work closely with stakeholders on definition of system architecture, components selection, and integration of compute, sensors (incl. cleaning), networking, and communication components into vehicle platforms.
• Prototype integration: plan and execute bring-up, commissioning, mechanical and electrical integration, and troubleshooting of new hardware in vehicle prototypes.
• Design verification & validation: lead HW validation plans, execute test campaigns, and drive design improvements through data and root-cause analysis.
• Harnessing: design and evolve harnesses from prototype builds to production-grade solutions for autonomous defence logistics vehicles (routing, shielding, connectors, strain relief, serviceability, manufacturing readiness).
• Breadboard & HIL: design, build, and commission breadboards and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups for rapid iteration and regression testing.
• Vehicle networks: design and validate architectures using CAN and Automotive Ethernet (100/1000BASE-T1); manage vehicle internal network configuration and interfaces.
• Connectivity systems: specify, integrate, and test external network configurations including GNSS, 4G/5G, Starlink, and tactical data links.
• Integration & testing: execute system-level integration, define acceptance criteria, and support field testing with fast feedback loops into engineering.
• Hands-on workshop support: actively support build-ups, harness builds, rework, and vehicle integration in the workshop—especially during intense prototype phases.
• Cross-functional leadership: work closely with autonomy, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and operations teams; provide technical direction and drive decisions.

Requirements

• Hardware engineering background with 5+ years experience in robotics; ideally autonomous driving or safety-/mission-critical vehicle systems.
• Strong experience in compute and sensor system integration (selection, bring-up, validation).
• Proven track record designing and delivering vehicle wiring harnesses from prototype to production-grade solutions.
• Experience with rapid prototyping tools (manual tools and 3D printing) and Solidworks
• Experience with CAN, diagnostics basics, and Automotive Ethernet (T1) networks; comfortable designing and debugging vehicle network configurations.
• Practical experience with HIL/breadboard setups, test instrumentation, and commissioning.
• Experience integrating and validating GNSS and cellular connectivity; familiarity with satellite connectivity (e.g., Starlink) and/or tactical communications is a plus.
• Strong integration and test mindset: systematic debugging, clean documentation, and validation-driven engineering.
• Hands-on mentality and willingness to jump into builds, bring-up, and workshop work when needed.
• Basic software/tooling skills: Python scripting and Vector tooling (e.g., CANoe/CANalyzer or similar).

Benefits

• Flexible working hours & remote work
• All-day breakfast and unlimited drinks, fruits, and snacks
• Lunch subsidy
• Select one of three options: (1) EUR 40 Spendit card /month (2) Wellpass (3) Mobility card
• Company pension scheme
• Team, department, and company events
• 30 days of vacation
• Up to six weeks of remote work in countries covered under the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)