Senior Controls & Software Integration Engineer

Motive Companies; Monroe (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early-stage equity

Health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Motive Companies in Detroit / Southeast Michigan is seeking a Senior Controls & Software Integration Engineer to own control software and system integration from early development through testing and production.

You will work at the intersection of controls, embedded software, high-voltage systems, and hardware integration, building and validating complex systems in real-world environments, with travel and hands-on field involvement.

Qualifications

• Develop, calibrate, and release control and remote-control software using Simulink-based model development and automatic code generation.
• Integrate electric powertrain and high-voltage systems over CAN/J1939, including BMS, motors, inverters, chargers, DC/DC converters, power distribution, and thermal management systems.
• Design and implement fault handling, interlocks, derating strategies, and safe/limp operating modes.
• Develop communication between control systems, displays, telemetry systems, and other connected platforms.
• Integrate drive-by-wire and advanced control systems with third-party autonomy platforms.
• Own bench, HIL, and field validation, calibration, release sign-off, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software integration issues using CAN tools, oscilloscopes, breakout boxes, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Support field testing, customer demonstrations, and advanced technology programs.

Responsibilities

• Own control software and system integration from early development through real-world testing and production.
• Work at the intersection of controls, embedded software, high-voltage systems, and hardware integration.
• Collaborate with electrical, harness, software, and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Help transition complex technology from prototype through scalable production.

Skills

Controls engineering

Embedded software

Troubleshooting

Hardware integration

Field testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CAN/J1939

CAN tools (Vector/Kvaser/PCAN)

Job description

Details:

Our client is developing innovative, high-performance electric platforms for advanced commercial and government applications.

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Controls & Software Integration Engineer to own control software and system integration from early development through real-world testing and production.

This is a highly hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of controls, embedded software, high-voltage systems, and hardware integration. You will build, integrate, troubleshoot, test, and validate complex systems in real-world environments.

Experience in a specific industry is not required. Candidates from EV, automotive, aerospace, defense technology, autonomous systems, robotics, or other advanced engineering environments are encouraged to apply.

Details:

What You'll Do

• Develop, calibrate, and release control and remote-control software using Simulink-based model development and automatic code generation.
• Integrate electric powertrain and high-voltage systems over CAN/J1939, including BMS, motors, inverters, chargers, DC/DC converters, power distribution, and thermal management systems.
• Design and implement fault handling, interlocks, derating strategies, and safe/limp operating modes.
• Develop communication between control systems, displays, telemetry systems, and other connected platforms.
• Integrate drive-by-wire and advanced control systems with third-party autonomy platforms.
• Own bench, HIL, and field validation, calibration, release sign-off, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software integration issues using CAN tools, oscilloscopes, breakout boxes, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Support field testing, customer demonstrations, and advanced technology programs.
• Work closely with electrical, harness, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Help transition complex technology from prototype through scalable production.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, embedded software, vehicle systems, powertrain controls, robotics, aerospace, or a similar technical environment.
• Experience helping take a complex hardware/software product from prototype through validation and production.
• Deep knowledge of CAN communications and J1939.
• Experience with CAN tools such as Vector, Kvaser, PCAN, or similar platforms.
• Strong high-voltage system integration experience, including BMS, inverters, chargers, motors, and related powertrain components.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or other model-based controls development environments.
• Strong hands‑on diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities.
• A strong bias toward hardware-you are comfortable troubleshooting directly at the connector using breakout boxes, oscilloscopes, CAN tools, and other diagnostic equipment, not just working in simulation.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• MotoHawk, EcoCoder, OpenECU, or other model-based development platforms.
• NMEA 2000, CANopen, or other CAN‑based communication protocols.
• Embedded C, CODESYS, Curtis VCL, or similar controls platforms.
• Autonomous systems, ROS 2, DDS, MAVLink, or similar interfaces.
• Functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 or ISO 13849.
• Startup, advanced development, skunkworks, or 0-to-1 product development experience.

Why This Opportunity?

This is not a narrow software role. You will work across the complete system-from high-voltage power and battery systems through controls, CAN/J1939 communications, motors, inverters, charging, thermal systems, displays, and advanced control interfaces.

You will have the opportunity to build it, integrate it, troubleshoot it, test it, and see it operate in the real world while helping move innovative technology from prototype to production.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $80,000-$150,000 annually, depending on experience and technical depth.

Additional compensation and benefits may include:

• Early‑stage equity consideration
• Health and dental benefits
• Paid time off
• Significant technical ownership and growth opportunities

Location, Travel & Work Authorization

This position is based in theDetroit / Southeast Michigan area and requires substantial hands‑on field involvement. Candidates should be comfortable withtravel that may exceed 50%, including extended periods supporting testing, demonstrations, and field programs.