Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer

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...

The Lead Vehicle Controls and Interface Engineer owns the development and abstraction of May Mobility’s vehicle controls interface, enabling the Autonomous Driving Kit (ADK) to be portable across the widest possible variety of vehicle platforms. This role designs and develops the algorithms used to communicate with ...

Develop and maintain a platform-agnostic controls abstraction layer, defining the interfaces that allow the ADK to integrate efficiently with new vehicle platforms
Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure seamless communication between base vehicle components and autonomy, powertrain, and telematics software
Spearhead the development of control algorithms for body controls, brake, steer, and throttle, prioritizing rider comfort and ride quality
Apply deep domain expertise in automotive network topologies (CAN-FD, automotive Ethernet, FlexRay), embedded software (C/C++), and functional safety standards across controls and interface design
Define Design Verification Plans (DVP&R); validate control algorithms in simulation and through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing; and lead hands-on debugging of physical prototypes
Integrate energy management considerations into control strategies and interface design
Establish vehicle dynamics targets and verify performance against them throughout development
Leverage a system level understanding of our products and technologies to support cross-functional engineering efforts
Collaborate with systems engineering, system architects, and OEM platform partners to align controls interfaces across programs
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers 
Performing FMEA analysis, tracking findings to resolution

Success in this role typically requires the following competencies:
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment
Understanding of agile startup and engineering principles and mindset
Deep expertise in control systems and control theory, with application to vehicle dynamics
Proficiency in embedded software development for real-time control systems
Proficiency with simulation and model-based design tools for control development and validation
Experience designing abstraction layers or portable interfaces across hardware platforms
Working knowledge of vehicle networking and E/E architecture, such as CAN and automotive Ethernet
Curiosity to learn and desire to improve
Passionate about self-driving cars and their impact on the world
Strong working knowledge of ADAS/Autonomous Vehicle systems

Candidates most successful in this role typically hold the following qualifications or comparable knowledge or experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Robotics, or a related field from an accredited university
8+ years experience in vehicle controls, embedded controls, or related automotive engineering working on combined hardware/software products
Experience developing and deploying control algorithms for vehicle functions, such as brake, steer, and throttle
Proficiency in embedded programming, such as C/C++, for real-time systems
A Master’s or PhD in Controls, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience
Experience abstracting vehicle controls across multiple platforms or supporting OEM platform programs
Knowledge of autonomous vehicle technologies, such as LIDAR, radar, ethernet, and CAN
Experience in Autonomous Vehicles, Machine Learning, and Robotics
Experience working in a startup
Standard office working conditions which includes but is not limited to:
Prolonged sitting
Prolonged standing
Prolonged computer use
May require periodic work in a vehicle, laboratory, or test environment
Travel required? - Minimal to Moderate: 5%-15%
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   
Don’t meet every single requirement? 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, so if you’re excited about this role but your previous experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway! You may be the perfect candidate for this or another role at May.
Want to learn more about our culture & benefits? Check out our website!
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