Lead Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Danfoss; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring opportunities

Flexible work

Well-being focus

401k & bonus

Job summary

Danfoss in Minneapolis is seeking a Lead Engineer to design autonomous control systems for heavy off-highway equipment, including tractors, mining trucks, and construction vehicles. You will lead end-to-end development using ROS2, C/C++, and embedded Danfoss PLUS+1, deploy at customer sites, and ensure safety standards while collaborating across teams to deliver reliable, market-ready solutions.

This role requires 8+ years of robotics experience, strong Linux skills, and willingness to travel to

Qualifications

• 8+ years of robotics development using ROS2 in Linux environments.
• Strong C/C++ software engineering skills for real-time control.
• Experience with sensor fusion, perception, and localization.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards and safety-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of autonomous control systems for heavy off-highway vehicles using ROS2 and C/C++.
• Design, test, and optimize algorithms for sensor fusion, path planning, and navigation with LiDAR, cameras, GNSS/GPS.
• Travel to customer sites to deploy, tune, and validate autonomous solutions on real-world machinery.
• Bridge software and hardware with embedded control solutions on the PLUS+1 platform.
• Lead rigorous testing and adherence to functional safety standards like ISO 13849.

Skills

ROS2

C/C++

Linux

Vehicle dynamics

CAN bus

Perception sensors

Sensor fusion

Communication

Education

Bachelors Degree in Engineering

Tools

Danfoss PLUS+1

Embedded systems

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

Are you ready to design the brains behind the next generation of intelligent machines? As our new Lead Engineer, you will develop the cutting-edge control systems that enable tractors, mining trucks, and construction vehicles to operate autonomously.

This isn't just a coding job; you will be on the front lines of innovation. You will travel to customer sites, seeing your software come to life as you deploy and tune autonomous systems in challenging, real-world environments like active mines and vast agricultural fields.

Your work will directly transform the off-highway industry, making machinery safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. You will be a key technical leader, pushing the boundaries of robotics and shaping the future of industrial automation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end development of autonomous control systems for heavy-duty off-highway vehicles using ROS2 and modern C/C++.
• Design, test, and optimize complex algorithms for sensor fusion, path planning, and vehicle navigation, integrating data from LiDAR, cameras, and GNSS/GPS.
• Travel to customer sites to deploy, tune, and validate your autonomous solutions on real-world machinery in the agriculture, construction, and mining industries.
• Bridge the gap between high-level software and vehicle hardware by developing embedded control solutions using Danfoss' PLUS+1 platform.
• Ensure the highest levels of system reliability and safety by leading rigorous testing and adhering to functional safety standards like ISO 13849.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelors Degree in an Engineering related field with 8+ years of experience developing complex robotics applications using ROS2, combined with strong software engineering skills in C/C++ within a Linux environment.
• A solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, control systems, and onboard communication networks like CAN bus.
• Hands-on experience with perception and localization sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, and GNSS/GPS, including sensor fusion techniques.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849/25119) and experience working with safety-critical systems.
• Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the willingness to travel to customer sites for hands-on system deployment and support.

What You'll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You'll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You'll receive benefits like 401k, annual bonus, paid vacation, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they're worth asking about—we think they're pretty great.

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. For US-based candidates, the range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000.

Ready to Make a Difference?

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.