Senior Systems Engineer

Wheel the World; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Flexible vacation

Wellness program

Job summary

May Mobility, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is advancing autonomous vehicle technology to change how people move. The Senior Systems Engineer will guide system design, ensure alignment with requirements, and coordinate with the Japan team for region-specific launches.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, validation planning, and continuous improvement of engineering processes to deliver safe, reliable autonomous mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university.
• 5+ years experience in automotive engineering working on software, hardware, or integrated products.
• 2+ years experience with autonomous driving systems.
• Knowledge of automotive and autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Experience supporting Japan-based projects.
• Experience with Python, SQL, and data analysis tools (Pandas, NumPy, Spark).

Responsibilities

• Leverage a system level understanding to support cross-functional engineering efforts.
• Serve as the primary systems engineering contact for Japan-focused projects.
• Translate Japan-specific regulatory and safety requirements into technical specs for AVs.
• Develop and execute system test and validation plans.
• Lead engineering process improvement efforts and gain buy-in.
• Conduct FMEA and manage the resolution of findings.

Skills

Autonomous vehicle software

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

Agile startup principles

Systems thinking

Requirements management

System testing and validation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Python

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

Spark

Job description

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.

Job Summary

The Senior Systems Engineer leverages a comprehensive understanding of the company's products and technologies to facilitate cross-functional engineering initiatives. This role will support system design activities, ensure alignment with requirements and collaborate with test and validation teams to establish verification criteria. This role will also have a key focus on projects for Japanese customers, requiring close coordination with May Mobility's Japan team to understand Japan-specific requirements in support of future autonomous vehicle launches in the region.

Essential Responsibilities

• Leverage a system level understanding of our products and technologies to support cross-functional engineering efforts
• Serve as the primary systems engineering point of contact for projects targeting Japan customers, ensuring effective coordination with the local Japan team.
• Identify, analyze, and translate Japan-specific regulatory, safety, and customer requirements into technical system specifications for fully autonomous vehicles.
• Develop and execute methods for identifying and documenting Japan specific Operational Design Domain (ODD)
• Analyze real-world and simulation results to identify performance trends, uncover potential issues, and provide insights for improvements
• Develop and execute system test and validation plans derived from documented system requirements to ensure product performance and reliability.
• Lead engineering process continuous improvement activities, proposing solutions and gaining buy-in from impacted teams
• Conduct FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and manage the resolution of all identified findings.

Skills and Abilities

Success in this role typically requires the following competencies:

• Strong working knowledge of autonomous vehicle software and systems
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and highly-organized
• Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Understanding of agile startup and engineering principles and mindset
• Ability to display systems thinking and attention to detail
• Detailed knowledge of requirements management and requirement-based design
• Ability to develop, document, and execute system level testing and validation plans
• Curiosity to learn and desire to improve

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates most successful in this role typically hold the following qualifications or comparable knowledge or experience:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university
• 5+ years experience in automotive engineering working on software, hardware, or combined hardware/software products and 2+ years experience working on autonomous driving systems
• Knowledge of automotive and autonomous vehicle technologies
• Experience supporting Japan-based projects
• Experience with Python, SQL, and data analysis tools (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Spark).

Desirable

• A Masters degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience working in a startup
• Japanese language experience

Physical Requirements

• Standard office working conditions which includes but is not limited to:
• Prolonged sitting
• Prolonged standing
• Prolonged computer use

Travel required? - Moderate: 10%-20%

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

Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. At May Mobility, we're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce.

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