Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer

May Mobility; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare suite

Rich retirement benefits

Flexible vacation policy

Job summary

May Mobility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is seeking a Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer to develop interface controls for autonomous vehicles. You will own the controls abstraction layer and develop algorithms for vehicle functions ensuring comfort and quality.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in vehicle controls, expertise in embedded programming, and a passion for advancements in autonomous technology. Join a team dedicated to transforming cities through innovative mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in vehicle controls or embedded systems engineering.
• Proficiency in developing control algorithms for vehicle functions.
• Experience in autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain vehicle controls interface for various platforms.
• Ensure communication between vehicle components and autonomy software.
• Spearhead development of control algorithms prioritizing rider comfort.

Skills

Control systems expertise

Embedded software development

Simulation and model-based design

Vehicle networking knowledge

Presentation skills

Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Passion for self-driving technology

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Robotics, or related field

Master’s or PhD in related fields

Tools

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

Simulation tools

Job description

Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer

May Mobility is transforming cities through autonomous technology to create a safer, greener, more accessible world. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May develops and deploys autonomous vehicles (AVs) powered by our innovative Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology that literally reimagines the way AVs think. Our vehicles do more than just drive themselves - they provide value to communities, bridge public transit gaps and move people where they need to go safely, easily and with a lot more fun. We’re building the world’s best autonomy system to reimagine transit by minimizing congestion, expanding access and encouraging better land use in order to foster more green, vibrant and livable spaces. Since our founding in 2017, we’ve given more than 500,000 autonomous rides to real people around the globe. And we’re just getting started. We’re hiring people who share our passion for building the future, today, solving real-world problems and seeing the impact of their work. Join us.

The Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer owns the development and abstraction of May Mobility’s vehicle controls interface, enabling the Autonomous Driving Kit (ADK) to be portable across the widest possible variety of vehicle platforms. This role designs and develops the algorithms used to communicate with and control core vehicle functions — body controls, brake, steer, and throttle — while advancing the fidelity of those controls to improve rider comfort. Beyond enabling basic functionality, this role ensures that vehicle dynamics remain a first-class part of active development. Success in this role requires expertise in simulation, energy management, and embedded programming, along with the technical leadership to set direction for vehicle controls across current and future platforms.

• Develop and maintain a platform-agnostic controls abstraction layer, defining the interfaces that allow the ADK to integrate efficiently with new vehicle platforms
• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure seamless communication between base vehicle components and autonomy, powertrain, and telematics software
• Spearhead the development of control algorithms for body controls, brake, steer, and throttle, prioritizing rider comfort and ride quality
• Apply deep domain expertise in automotive network topologies (CAN-FD, automotive Ethernet, FlexRay), embedded software (C/C++), and functional safety standards across controls and interface design
• Define Design Verification Plans (DVP&R); validate control algorithms in simulation and through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing; and lead hands-on debugging of physical prototypes
• Integrate energy management considerations into control strategies and interface design
• Establish vehicle dynamics targets and verify performance against them throughout development
• Leverage a system level understanding of our products and technologies to support cross-functional engineering efforts
• Collaborate with systems engineering, system architects, and OEM platform partners to align controls interfaces across programs
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
• Perform FMEA analysis, tracking findings to resolution

Skills and Abilities

Success in this role typically requires the following competencies:

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Understanding of agile startup and engineering principles and mindset
• Deep expertise in control systems and control theory, with application to vehicle dynamics
• Proficiency in embedded software development for real-time control systems
• Proficiency with simulation and model-based design tools for control development and validation
• Experience designing abstraction layers or portable interfaces across hardware platforms
• Working knowledge of vehicle networking and E/E architecture, such as CAN and automotive Ethernet
• Curiosity to learn and desire to improve
• Passionate about self-driving cars and their impact on the world
• Strong working knowledge of ADAS/Autonomous Vehicle systems

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Robotics, or a related field from an accredited university
• 8+ years experience in vehicle controls, embedded controls, or related automotive engineering working on combined hardware/software products
• Experience developing and deploying control algorithms for vehicle functions, such as brake, steer, and throttle
• Proficiency in embedded programming, such as C/C++, for real-time systems
• A Master’s or PhD in Controls, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience
• Experience abstracting vehicle controls across multiple platforms or supporting OEM platform programs
• Knowledge of autonomous vehicle technologies, such as LIDAR, radar, ethernet, and CAN
• Experience in Autonomous Vehicles, Machine Learning, and Robotics
• Experience working in a startup

Physical Requirements

• Standard office working conditions which includes but is not limited to: prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, prolonged computer use, may require periodic work in a vehicle, laboratory, or test environment
• Travel required? - Minimal to Moderate: 5%-15%

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive healthcare suite including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans. Domestic partners who have been residing together at least one year are also eligible to participate.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Healthcare and Dependent Care Accounts available.
• Rich retirement benefits, including an immediately vested employer safe harbor match.
• Generous paid parental leave as well as a phased return to work.
• Flexible vacation policy in addition to paid company holidays.
• Total Wellness Program providing numerous resources for overall wellbeing

Equal Opportunity Employer

May Mobility is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected basis. Below, you have the opportunity to share your preferred gender pronouns, gender, ethnicity, and veteran status with May Mobility to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring and recruitment processes. Completion of these questions is entirely voluntary. Any information you choose to provide will be kept confidential, and will not impact the hiring decision in any way. If you believe that you will need any type of accommodation, please let us know.