Lead Systems Engineer - ECM Integration

Karma Automotive; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Dental & Vision Plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible hybrid schedule

401(k) with employer match

Relocation Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Sick Time & Vacation

Job summary

Karma Automotive is seeking a Lead ECM Integration Systems Engineer to lead powertrain-level integration of the engine and ECM into its hybrid and electric platforms. You will act as the primary interface with suppliers and coordinate engine-to-powertrain interfaces, calibration, diagnostics, and regulatory readiness.

The role requires 8+ years in engine systems or powertrain integration, hands-on ECM experience, and strong knowledge of ISO 26262, ISO 21434, and AUTOSAR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Engineering or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in engine systems, powertrain control, or vehicle integration.
• Hands-on experience with engine control systems and ECM integration.
• Strong background in vehicle-level system integration, including torque management and powertrain coordination.
• Experience leading Functional Safety (ISO 26262) and Cybersecurity (ISO 21434) activities for automotive ECU or powertrain systems.
• Hands-on experience supporting or leading engine calibration and drivability tuning.
• Working knowledge of OBD II diagnostics and emissions compliance requirements.
• Proficient in CAN communication protocols and related engineering tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead engine-to-powertrain integration at the powertrain system level, interfacing Karma with suppliers.
• Define and manage engine-to-powertrain interfaces, including torque requests/responses and operating modes.
• Coordinate ECM software, hybrid control, battery systems, and vehicle supervisory controls.
• Oversee OBD II emissions compliance activities and regulatory readiness.
• Lead requirements definition, interface documentation, and system architecture artifacts.
• Support functional safety and cybersecurity integration at the engine/ECM boundary.
• Participate in system reviews, issue resolution, and technical escalations.
• Support vehicle integration, calibration, and launch activities including HiL and drive testing.

Skills

Engine control systems

Powertrain integration

CAN protocols

HIL/SIL testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Engineering

Tools

AUTOSAR tooling

ECU software tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer - ECM Integration

The Lead ECM Integration Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the powertrain-level integration of the internal combustion engine and engine control module (ECM) into Karma Automotive’s hybrid and electric vehicle platforms. This role serves as the technical focal point between Karma and suppliers, ensuring engine system functionality, drivability, calibration alignment, diagnostics, and regulatory compliance are successfully integrated and validated at the powertrain and vehicle level.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Serve as the technical owner for engine and ECM SW integration at the powertrain system level, acting as the primary interface between Karma Automotive and suppliers.
• Define and manage engine-to-powertrain interfaces, including torque request/response, operating modes, fault handling, and interaction with hybrid control systems.
• Lead engine system integration activities, ensuring proper coordination between ECM software, hybrid control, battery systems, and vehicle supervisory controls.
• Coordinate OBD II / emissions compliance activities, including diagnostic responsibility allocation, monitor integration, and regulatory support (e.g., CARB/EPA readiness).
• Lead requirements definition, interface documentation, and system architecture artifacts related to engine and ECM integration.
• Support functional safety (FuSa) and cybersecurity integration at the engine/ECM system boundary in alignment with vehicle-level safety concepts.
• Participate in and lead system reviews, issue resolution, and technical escalations with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Support vehicle integration, validation, and launch activities, including HiL, vehicle testing, track testing, and field issue investigation.
• Support vehicle-level calibration direction for engine drivability, performance, and emissions, working closely with calibration teams in suppliers.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in engine systems, powertrain control, or vehicle integration, preferably in an OEM or Tier-1 supplier environment.
• Hands-on experience with engine control systems and ECM integration.
• Strong background in vehicle-level system integration, including torque management and powertrain coordination.
• Demonstrated experience leading Functional Safety (ISO 26262) and Cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434) activities for automotive ECU or powertrain systems.
• Hands-on experience supporting or leading engine calibration and drivability tuning.
• Working knowledge of OBD II diagnostics and emissions compliance requirements.
• Good exposure to ASPICE, Agile, and AUTOSAR.
• Solid experience collaborating with external suppliers.
• Proficient in CAN communication protocols and related engineering tools.
• Experienced in Software-, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (SIL/HIL) testing for ECUs.
• Familiarity with hybrid vehicle architecture and engine-motor interaction is strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.

Physical Requirements

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
• Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
• Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
• Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
• Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks

In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

• Medical Plan choices include HMO, PPO & HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan)
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
• Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
• Paid Holidays including Company’s Annual Year End Shutdown
• Karma Cares Program (Quarterly Lunch)
• Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
• Employee Driving Program
• Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation

$155,000 - $185,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.

At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.

Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.