Senior Manager, OBD Systems & Diagnostics Engineering

MDAEdge; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MDAEdge is seeking a highly experienced leader for the OBD Systems & Diagnostics team in Novi, Michigan. In this pivotal role, you will shape the future of vehicle diagnostics, define the OBD strategy for electric and hybrid vehicles, and oversee the integration of complex systems.

With over 10 years of automotive engineering experience, you will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with industry standards while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. This position requires regular in-office collaboration, emphasizing teamwork and engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with expertise in OBD and system engineering.
• Proven experience leading OBD systems for production vehicle programs.
• Deep understanding of OBDII regulations and diagnostic communication architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the OBD Systems & Diagnostics team.
• Define overall OBD strategy and system architecture.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and diagnostic standards.

Skills

Onboard Diagnostics (OBD)

System engineering

Software integration

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s in Engineering, Technology, IT Systems, Computer Science, Mechatronics

Tools

Jama

DOORS

MATLAB/Simulink

CANoe

INCA

CANape

Job description

Responsibilities

Here you don't just design vehicles—you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them.

• Lead and grow the OBD Systems & Diagnostics team, including OBD system engineers, requirements engineers, integration engineers, and diagnostic specialists.
• Define and own the overall OBD strategy and system architecture for the software‑defined vehicle platform across BEV and EREV applications.
• Establish a clear and scalable diagnostic concept, including monitor strategies, readiness behavior, MIL logic, diagnostic communication (UDS), and external service tool interaction.
• Drive the creation and alignment of OBD requirements across domains, ensuring consistency, completeness, and traceability from system definition through validation and release.
• Coordinate and align cross‑functional stakeholders including systems engineering, software development, controls, HIL/vehicle validation, calibration, safety, cybersecurity, and after sales/service teams.
• Define and manage development roadmaps, deliverables, and milestones for OBD system implementation, ensuring readiness for prototype, validation, and production releases.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and diagnostic standards, while enabling scalability for future software and platform updates (including OTA capabilities).
• Oversee the integration of OBD functionality within the SDV architecture, including central compute, domain controllers, diagnostic gateways, and communication networks.
• Drive technical decision‑making and trade‑offs related to diagnostics architecture, system design, and implementation strategies.
• Establish best practices for requirements engineering, system modeling, validation strategies, and defect management within the diagnostics domain.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as diagnostic coverage, readiness performance, defect quality, and release stability, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support issue resolution and escalation management by guiding root‑cause analysis and ensuring cross‑functional closure of critical diagnostic issues.
• Coach and develop team members, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and career development support.
• Foster a culture of innovation, ownership, collaboration, and speed, aligned with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Partner with leadership and architecture teams to ensure the OBD system is future‑proof, scalable, and aligned with evolving SDV capabilities and business needs.
• Be involved in other related tasks and activities as required.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree: bachelor’s or master’s in Engineering, Technology, IT Systems, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or Engineering Technology, preferably in electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or systems engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive engineering with strong expertise in Onboard Diagnostics (OBD), system engineering, and software integration, including leadership or technical management roles.
• Proven experience leading the definition and delivery of OBD systems and diagnostic architectures for production vehicle programs, including BEV and/or hybrid platforms.
• Deep understanding of OBDII regulations, UDS diagnostics, diagnostic communication architectures, monitor strategies, and readiness/MIL concepts.
• Strong experience working in or transitioning toward a software‑defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, including centralized compute, cross‑domain coordination, and service‑oriented systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross‑functional teams (systems, software, controls, calibration, validation, diagnostics, and after sales/service engineering).
• Experience with requirements engineering and traceability tools such as Jama, DOORS, or Polarion, and development/validation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CANoe, INCA, CANape.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to define strategy, align teams, prioritize work, and drive execution in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong systems‑thinking mindset with the ability to manage complexity across multiple domains, interfaces, and vehicle functions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making skills, including the ability to present to senior leadership and drive alignment across organizations.
• Proven ability to build and develop high‑performing engineering teams, foster collaboration, and create a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Motivated leader wanting to build and scale next‑generation diagnostic systems and teams for cutting‑edge electric vehicles.
• Integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, growth mindset, and a positive attitude. Comfortable with change and flexible in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment. Collaborative approach to achieving ambitious goals.

Location & Travel Expectations

• This role will be based out of the Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4–5 days per week in the office, with regular in‑person meetings and events.
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.