Cyngn is seeking a Senior / Staff Systems Engineer to lead system definition and architecture for autonomous vehicle and robotics platforms. This role is a senior, hands-on systems position responsible for converting high-level product requirements (L0/L1 user stories and product intent) into detailed, testable engineering specifications, architectures, and verification plans using a structured V-model systems engineering approach.
This is a generalist systems role spanning sensors, compute, power distribution, actuation, and safety-critical behaviors. The ideal candidate has deep experience in industrial robotics or vehicle systems, understands safety certification expectations, and can bridge product intent with disciplined engineering execution.
Responsibilities
- Translate L0/L1 product requirements and user stories into complete, unambiguous, and testable system and subsystem specifications (L2+).
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Define system architectures and interfaces for autonomous vehicle and robotics platforms, including:
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Sensors (perception and low-level feedback)
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Compute and embedded controllers
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Power distribution and protection
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Actuation and drive systems
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Own requirements decomposition, allocation, and traceability across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains.
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Develop system-level verification and validation plans, including test strategies, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail definitions aligned with the systems engineering V-model.
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Lead technical trade studies, risk assessments, and architectural decisions with a focus on safety, reliability, and manufacturability.
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Act as the systems engineering point of contact for industrial safety certification, ensuring system requirements and test plans support compliance.
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Collaborate with product management, safety engineering, hardware, firmware, software, and test teams to ensure aligned execution.
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Drive cross-functional design reviews, requirements reviews, and system readiness milestones.
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Support integration, debugging, and validation of vehicle and robotic systems during development and deployment phases.
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Safety & Certification Responsibilities
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Incorporate industrial safety requirements into system architecture, requirements, and test planning.
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Support compliance efforts related to ANSI B56 standards for industrial trucks and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
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Work closely with safety and compliance teams to define safety functions, fault responses, and operational limits.
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Ensure system behaviors are well-defined for normal operation, degraded modes, and fault conditions.
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Contribute to safety-related documentation, including requirements, test evidence, and certification support artifacts.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
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8+ years of experience in systems engineering for complex electro-mechanical systems (robotics, vehicles, industrial automation, autonomy).
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Strong experience translating product-level requirements into detailed engineering specifications and verification plans.
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Solid understanding of industrial safety standards, particularly ANSI B56 and related AMR / industrial vehicle safety frameworks.
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Hands-on familiarity with low-level sensors and feedback systems, including:
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Encoders (incremental, absolute)
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Angle and position sensors
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Temperature sensors
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Current and voltage sensing
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Working knowledge of motor systems and actuation, including:
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Motor commutation concepts (e.g., BLDC, PMSM)
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Feedback and control considerations
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Fault detection and protection
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Experience defining interfaces between sensors, embedded controllers, power electronics, and higher-level compute.
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Strong technical communication skills with the ability to clearly document and review complex system behavior.
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Comfortable working on-site 5 days per week in Mountain View, CA
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Preferred Qualifications
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Experience with autonomous mobile robots, industrial vehicles, or material handling equipment.
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Prior involvement in safety certification, audits, or compliance testing for industrial or robotic systems.
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Familiarity with system integration, bring-up, and hardware validation testing.
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Experience working in fast-paced product development environments with cross-functional teams.
Benefits & Perks
- Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA and FSA (Health & Dependent Daycare), Employee Assistance Program, 1:1 Health Concierge)
- Life, Short-term and long-term disability insurance (Cyngn funds 100% of premiums)
- Company 401(k)
- Commuter Benefits
- Flexible vacation policy
- Sabbatical leave opportunity after 5 years with the company
- Paid Parental Leave
- Daily lunches for in-office employees and fully-stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
- Monthly meal and tech allowances for remote employees