Principal Systems Engineer - Compute Platform Integration New Ann Arbor, MI

Torc Robotics, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 186,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package + RSU

100% medical, dental, vision premiums

401(k) with employer match

Flexible vacation

AD+D and Life Insurance

Job summary

Torc Robotics, Inc. is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the compute platform integration for our autonomous driving stack. You will own system-level architecture, define interfaces, and align electrical and software boundaries across hardware, middleware, and safety teams.

This role requires 15+ years in systems engineering, real-time Linux, CAN/Ethernet/TSN networks, and ISO 26262. You will mentor engineers, drive maturity milestones, and partner with OEMs to productionize scalable

Qualifications

• 15+ years in systems engineering or platform-level product development.
• Expertise in compute platform integration and system-level validation.
• Hands-on with real-time Linux, virtualization, and automotive networks.
• Knowledge of ISO 26262, UDS/DIDs, and OTA deployment.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead system-level direction across compute and electrical integration.
• Architect interfaces and guardrails for production-ready AD kits.
• Drive integration milestones and release-readiness criteria.
• Collaborate with platform, diagnostics, validation, and safety teams.
• Mentor senior engineers and foster technical excellence.

Skills

System-level architecture

Hardware/software integration

Real-time Linux

CAN/Ethernet/TSN

ISO 26262

CI/CD GitHub

Mentoring engineers

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical/Computer/Robotics/Systems Engineering

Tools

GitHub workflows

HIL/SIL validation

OTA infrastructure

Configuration management

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer - Compute Platform Integration

About the Company

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business.

A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners. Now a part of the Daimler family , we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight.

Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology, and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer.

Meet the Team:
Within the Technology organization, the Compute Platform division is responsible for the design and provision of a cost-effective, scalable, automotive grade compute platform(s) with the ability to connect easily to the required sensors/devices, while maintaining stable interfaces to the applications.

The Compute Platform organization achieves their goals, through the design, sourcing, development, build and delivery of a highly scalable Autonomous Driving Kit (AD Kit) including an automotive grade compute platform, cutting-edge sensor technologies, operating system(s), middleware, and software.

The integration will materialize first in an OEM-launched AD Kit for a Class 8 truck from DT, followed by a roll-out across OEM’s, by staying on-top of the technology evolution, challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries in the selection, development and integration of scalable hardware and software

What You’ll Do:

We are looking for a seasoned Principal Systems Engineer who can provide deep technical leadership across the full stack of compute and electrical integration - spanning hardware abstraction, middleware, safety/security boundaries, and system validation. This role is critical to ensuring our compute platform scales reliably across vehicle platforms, OEM configurations, and future product evolutions.

You will define and lead technical direction at the system level, ensuring integration robustness and production readiness. This includes architecting system interfaces, setting technical guardrails, owning key milestones, and driving resolution of cross-domain blockers. You will act as the glue between software, hardware, validation, and safety teams—ensuring the AD Kit is production-quality, testable, and maintainable

Own and drive system-level architecture, electrical/software interface alignment, and cross-domain integration strategy.

Act as technical authority for complex system-level design decisions involving compute, networking, power, sensors, and software abstraction.

Lead the definition and implementation of integration maturity milestones and release-readiness criteria.

Collaborate closely with platform, diagnostics, validation, and functional safety teams to ensure holistic system behavior.

Influence system decomposition strategies, network architecture decisions, and bring-up validation plans.

Guide design reviews, debug sessions, and integration planning with internal and OEM-facing teams.

Identify platform risks early and lead resolution efforts with a focus on root-cause and long-term scalability.

Participate in product planning and technical roadmapping across the Compute Foundation division.

Drive the adoption of best practices for configuration management, requirements traceability, and verification strategies.

Mentor senior and staff engineers across the division, contributing to a high-performance technical culture.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Robotics, or Systems Engineering (PhD a plus).

15+ years of experience in systems engineering, software/hardware integration, or platform-level product development.

Deep expertise in compute platform integration, embedded systems, electrical/software boundary design, and system-level validation.

Hands-on experience with real-time Linux, virtualization, automotive networking (CAN, Ethernet, TSN), and power distribution.

Strong working knowledge of system safety (ISO 26262), diagnostics (UDS/DIDs), and OTA infrastructure.

Experience with tools and processes for integration maturity tracking, root cause analysis, and field issue triage.

Familiarity with CI/CD, GitHub-based workflows, and release engineering.

Comfortable navigating ambiguity and aligning technical priorities with long-term product vision.

Proven ability to work across software, hardware, and vehicle teams in a fast-paced product organization.

Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

Bonus Points!

Prior experience delivering scalable autonomy platforms or compute hardware into production vehicles.

Experience working with global OEMs and managing technical interactions across organizational boundaries.

Experience with system simulation, HIL/SIL validation, and multi-modal integration strategies.

Ability to debug platform-level hardware/software issues and drive resolution across domain boundaries.

Demonstrated track record of leading by influence, fostering technical excellence, and building strong engineering culture.

Perks of Being a Full-timeTorc’r
Torc cares about our teammembersand we strive to provide benefits and resources to support their health, work/life balance, and future. Our culture is collaborative, energetic, and team focused. Torc offers:

• A competitive compensation package that includes a bonuscomponentand stock options
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees
• 401K plan with a 6% employer match
• Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (availableimmediatelyafterstartdate)
• AD+D and Life Insurance

At Torc, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate the uniqueness of our Torc’rs and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, or disabilities. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Torc's total compensation package will also include our corporate bonus and stock option plan. Dependent on the position offered, sign-on payments, relocation, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Job ID: 103027

Hiring Range for Job Opening

US Pay Range

$186,200 - $223,400 USD