Lead System Architect - Autonomous Vehicle

SteerAI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

SteerAI, an autonomous mobility technology company, seeks a Lead System Architect to design, integrate, and validate robotic systems for autonomous vehicles and ground robots. You will drive MBSE using SysML, manage requirements, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 8+ years in systems engineering, experience with V-model, sensor fusion, ROS; proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and modeling tools; strong leadership to mentor teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in systems engineering or architecture, with autonomous vehicle or robotics experience.
• Strong understanding of the V-model, SysML, MBSE, sensor fusion, and autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, ROS, and architecture modeling tools (EA, MagicDraw).
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, able to mentor engineers.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, CS, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of scalable architectures for autonomous robotic systems and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate integration of sensors, computing, and control systems across hardware, software, and AI teams.
• Define and manage system requirements, ensuring traceability and verification.
• Apply MBSE and SysML to model systems and document architecture decisions.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead architectural reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Produce technical documentation and progress reports for stakeholders.

Skills

SysML

MBSE

Sensor fusion

Autonomous vehicles

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

ROS

Enterprise Architect

MagicDraw

Job description

SteerAI is an autonomous mobility technology company powered by VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council.

SteerAI’s advanced AI-powered autonomy stack, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, empowers the logistics and defense industries by turning industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses that can handle complex off-road missions, transforming operations and protecting organizations' most important assets: Their workforce.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead System Architect to join our cutting-edge autonomous robotics team. The ideal candidate will lead the design, integration, and optimization of robotic systems, particularly for autonomous vehicles and ground robots. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring scalable, reliable, and high-performance robotic solutions that meet technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture Design: Lead the development of scalable and robust architectures for autonomous robotic systems, ensuring they meet performance goals and align with system requirements.
• Solution Design & Integration: Work with hardware, software, and AI teams to integrate sensors, computing platforms, communication modules, and control systems into cohesive robotic solutions.
• System Requirements Specification (SRS): Define and maintain system requirements, ensuring they are clear, traceable, and verifiable. Manage requirements lifecycle from definition to validation.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML to model and design systems, ensuring effective integration and clear representation of system components.
• Risk Management & Safety Compliance: Identify and mitigate risks in the system design, ensuring compliance with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and regulatory requirements for autonomous systems.
• Prototyping & Validation: Guide prototype development, testing, and validation of systems against defined requirements and performance indicators.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (hardware, software, AI, and product) to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system diagrams, design specifications, and progress reports for stakeholders.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Lead architectural reviews, mentor junior engineers, and align team efforts with project milestones.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience: 8+ years in system architecture or systems engineering, with experience in autonomous vehicle systems or ground robotics.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including the V-model, SysML, MBSE, sensor fusion, and autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Software & Tools: Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ROS, and architecture modeling tools (e.g., Enterprise Architect, MagicDraw).
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in integrating complex systems and addressing design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Autonomous Systems: Experience with autonomous vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), or field robotics.
• Safety Standards: Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, ISO 21448).
• Emerging Technologies: Knowledge of AI, machine learning, edge computing, and cloud computing in autonomous systems.
• Simulation & Testing: Experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) and real-world testing of robotic systems.
• Agile Development: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

Soft Skills:

• Leadership: Strong leadership abilities to mentor and guide cross-functional teams.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work effectively in fast-paced, startup environments.
• Adaptability: Ability to tackle challenges with a proactive and adaptable approach

What we offer

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the Autonomous Robotics industry. Our work culture is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on innovation and personal growth.