Senior Systems Engineer

We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic multidisciplinary engineer, capable of leading the technical decision-making process in electro-mechanical projects that require a solid system architecture. Motivo is a project-based product development company focused on designing systems containing mechanical, electrical, and software components. Our programs typically span from clean-sheet design through prototype validation, though we occasionally shepherd our clients through to the start of production as well. We develop products for diverse market segments, including mobility/automotive, medical/health/fitness, industrial automation, energy storage and conversion, aerospace, consumer devices, and more. We are the secret weapon behind many early-stage startups seeking to develop their first product, as well as Fortune 500 R&D branches looking to innovate on their next flagship product.

At Motivo, our Sr. Systems Engineers are highly valued and versatile team members. They are the linchpin in executing complex electro-mechanical projects from concept to fabrication. We look for creative problem-solvers with a keen eye for detail and the ability to balance competing priorities.

Working closely with a Project Manager and Technical Lead, a Systems Engineer guides focused engineering teams through the initial phases of product development. This involves:

• Planning technical and programmatic aspects.
• Defining and reviewing complete system architectures, including ensuring traceability of requirements.
• Identifying and managing technical and programmatic risks.
• Identifying key components and technologies.
• Leading technical teams to successful project completion.

In later phases, you'll lead brainstorms, review work, provide technical guidance, and assist with debugging and troubleshooting during integration and validation & verification (V&V) activities. An ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, along with general physics, to effectively communicate and understand their interactions. This role is perfect for an incredibly sharp engineer with an insatiable curiosity for all aspects of engineering

Requirements

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will:

• Lead systems engineering efforts for diverse projects, ensuring subsystems integrate effectively and meet performance, cost, and timeline requirements.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define and manage clear, comprehensive, and verifiable system-level requirements, ensuring robust traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain system architectures, interface control documents, and other systems engineering artifacts.
• Conduct trade studies and analyses to support critical design decisions and technology selections, incorporating technical risk management practices.
• Oversee the integration and testing of complex electro-mechanical systems, identifying and resolving cross-disciplinary issues, and leading validation & verification (V&V) efforts.
• Develop and execute system-level validation and verification plans.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Champion a systems-thinking approach across the organization, promoting best practices in systems engineering, including risk management and robust V&V processes.

• Bachelor of Science in Sr. Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in a systems engineering role with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems architecture, requirements management (including traceability), trade-off analysis, technical risk management, and integration of hardware and software systems.
• Hands-on experience with the full product development lifecycle, from concept through validation & verification (V&V) to production.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically at a systems level.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external clients and drive critical decisions.
• A passion for innovation and a desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Master of Science in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, or medical devices.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ISO 15288).
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
• A portfolio of successfully launched products.

Benefits

We’re convinced that the team and projects are hands down the best part of working at Motivo, but we also have some pretty sweet benefits, including company-wide profit sharing, high-quality insurance plans, 401k match, generous paid vacation time, a Monday-Thursday 4/10 work week and more

Base Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000

Annual Profit Sharing estimate: $6,250 - $20,250

Salary is dependent on experience, knowledge, and interview performance.