Lead Systems Engineer

Surf Search Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Search Inc. is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer in Ann Arbor, MI to lead development of a portable technology platform from concept to commercialization. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage requirements and risk, and serve as the primary technical liaison for external stakeholders.

The role emphasizes system integration, DFM, and manufacturing readiness, with strong emphasis on communication and project leadership across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.

Qualifications

• Requirements include a degree in a technical field and 5+ years in hardware or electromechanical systems.
• 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience.
• Experience with requirements management, risk analysis, and design verification activities.
• Familiarity with system integration and design-for-manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution of a multi-phase product development program.
• Develop system requirements, architecture, and integration strategies.
• Coordinate activities across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing teams.
• Oversee prototype development, testing, and design refinement.
• Drive risk mitigation, verification, and product validation efforts.
• Support manufacturing readiness and transition to scalable production.
• Collaborate with supply chain on sourcing and production planning.
• Serve as primary technical liaison for customers, partners, and vendors.
• Ensure alignment with project milestones and business objectives.
• Monitor performance and report status to leadership.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical problem solving

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

ECAD tools

Job description

Join our client's growing engineering team in a newly created Lead Systems Engineer position! This role will lead the development and commercialization of a sophisticated portable technology platform intended for demanding field applications. The position serves as the primary technical point of contact for external stakeholders while providing leadership and direction to a multidisciplinary engineering team. This individual will play a critical role in driving product development, system integration, risk management, and manufacturing readiness from concept through commercialization.

Requirements of the Lead Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience developing complex hardware, instrumentation, or electromechanical systems
• 3+ years of technical leadership or engineering management experience
• Strong understanding of systems engineering methodologies and product development processes
• Experience with requirements management, risk analysis, and design verification activities
• Knowledge of FMEA, root cause analysis, and engineering risk mitigation practices
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with electronic design tools and multidisciplinary system integration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
• Experience supporting medical device or defense projects is a plus
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Systems Engineer:

• Lead technical execution of a multi-phase product development program from concept through deployment
• Establish project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers, partners, suppliers, and external stakeholders
• Develop and manage system requirements, architecture, and integration strategies
• Coordinate activities across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and scientific teams
• Oversee prototype development, testing, troubleshooting, and design refinement activities
• Ensure alignment between technical requirements, project milestones, and business objectives
• Identify technical and program risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Support design reviews, verification activities, and product validation efforts
• Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives and support transition into scalable production
• Collaborate with supply chain and operations teams on sourcing, manufacturing, and production planning
• Monitor project performance and communicate status updates to leadership and stakeholders
• Promote continuous improvement across engineering processes, product quality, and team performance
• Support compliance with applicable industry, customer, and operational standards

Occupational Code: 17-2112.00-Industrial Engineers