Sr. Controls & Software Integration Engineer

Motive Workforce; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Motive Workforce 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 to build, troubleshoot, test, and validate complex systems in real‑world environments.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in controls/embedded software, strong CAN/J1939 experience, and a hands‑on,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controls engineering, embedded software, or vehicle systems.
• Hands‑on experience taking hardware/software products from prototype to production.
• Deep knowledge of CAN/J1939 communications.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar model‑based tools.
• Bachelor’s in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and release control software using Simulink‑based models.
• Integrate EV powertrain and high‑voltage systems over CAN/J1939.
• Design fault handling, interlocks, derating, and safe modes.
• Coordinate bench, HIL, and field validation activities.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems teams; mentor juniors.

Skills

Controls engineering

Embedded software

Vehicle systems

Powertrain controls

Robotics

High‑voltage systems

Model-based development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAN/J1939 tools

Vector CAN tools

Kvaser PCAN tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Oscilloscopes

Job description

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.

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.