Senior Engineer, Systems

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Danfoss Power Solutions in Ames, IA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to design advanced vehicle and machine systems, advancing electrification and autonomy.

You will develop architectures, evaluate concepts for safety and cost, and create control strategies across hydraulics, electronics, software, and mechatronics.

Bring a Bachelor’s in engineering and 3–5 years of experience; travel up to 20%; join a global team delivering innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 3–5 years of systems/controls/software/hydraulics/mechatronics experience.
• Experience with hydraulic/electronic/software/mechatronic systems.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle system architectures addressing customer needs.
• Evaluate concepts from functional, safety, performance, and cost perspectives.
• Develop control strategies and system-level designs using hydraulics, electronics, software, and mechatronics.
• Create and validate vehicle software using C, MATLAB/Simulink, model-based development tools, and PLUS+1 GUIDE.
• Model and simulate vehicle systems, subsystems, and components.
• Generate technical documentation, reports, white papers, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate across Danfoss teams globally to accelerate innovation and project success.
• Support development of technical value propositions for customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Hydraulics

Control systems

Software

Mechatronics

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, or related Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PLUS+1 GUIDE

C programming

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

Are you passionate about designing advanced vehicle and machine systems? Do you enjoy turning innovative concepts into real-world solutions? Danfoss Power Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to help develop next‑generation technologies that drive electrification, decarbonization, autonomy, and productivity across mobile machinery applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and develop vehicle system architectures that address customer needs and application challenges.
• Evaluate solution concepts from functional, safety, performance, and cost perspectives.
• Develop control strategies and system‑level designs utilizing hydraulics, electronics, software, and mechatronics.
• Create and validate vehicle software using C, MATLAB/Simulink, model‑based development tools, and PLUS+1® GUIDE.
• Model and simulate vehicle systems, subsystems, and components.
• Generate technical documentation, engineering reports, white papers, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate across Danfoss teams globally to accelerate innovation and project success.
• Support the development of compelling technical value propositions for customers and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, or related Engineering field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in systems, controls, software, hydraulics, mechatronics, electronics, or related disciplines.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, electronic, software, or mechatronic systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering or a fluid power‑related discipline.
• Experience with programming, dynamic simulation, and model‑based software development.
• Knowledge of machine control systems, data acquisition, and industrial/mobile communication protocols.
• Hands‑on experience designing, operating, or testing construction, agriculture, or industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with functional safety principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Danfoss products and business tools such as SAP, Salesforce, or Teamcenter.
• IFPS certification or equivalent fluid power expertise.

What Makes You Successful

• Collaborative and relationship‑oriented.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.
• Effective communicator across teams, disciplines, and cultures.
• Hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and driven to solve complex technical challenges.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities.
• Thrives in a global, matrixed organization.

What You’ll Get From Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. Your well‑being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits like 13th salary, annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.