Staff Systems Engineer Job at Cyngn (Mountain View)

Job Description

Cyngn is seeking a 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.

Job Responsibility

Translate L0/L1 product requirements and user stories into complete, unambiguous, and testable system and subsystem specifications (L2+)
Define system architectures and interfaces for autonomous vehicle and robotics platforms, including: Sensors (perception and low-level feedback), Compute and embedded controllers, Power distribution and protection, & Actuation and drive systems
Own requirements decomposition, allocation, and traceability across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains
Develop system-level verification and validation plans, including test strategies, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail definitions aligned with the systems engineering V-model
Lead technical trade studies, risk assessments, and architectural decisions with a focus on safety, reliability, and manufacturability
Act as the systems engineering point of contact for industrial safety certification, ensuring system requirements and test plans support compliance
Collaborate with product management, safety engineering, hardware, firmware, software, and test teams to ensure aligned execution
Drive cross-functional design reviews, requirements reviews, and system readiness milestones
Support integration, debugging, and validation of vehicle and robotic systems during development and deployment phases
Incorporate industrial safety requirements into system architecture, requirements, and test planning
Support compliance efforts related to ANSI B56 standards for industrial trucks and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
Work closely with safety and compliance teams to define safety functions, fault responses, and operational limits
Ensure system behaviors are well-defined for normal operation, degraded modes, and fault conditions
Contribute to safety-related documentation, including requirements, test evidence, and certification support artifacts

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
8+ years of experience in systems engineering for complex electro-mechanical systems (robotics, vehicles, industrial automation, autonomy)
Strong experience translating product-level requirements into detailed engineering specifications and verification plans
Solid understanding of industrial safety standards, particularly ANSI B56 and related AMR / industrial vehicle safety frameworks
Hands-on familiarity with low-level sensors and feedback systems, including: Encoders (incremental, absolute), Angle and position sensors, Temperature sensors, & Current and voltage sensing
Working knowledge of motor systems and actuation, including: Motor commutation concepts (e.g., BLDC, PMSM), Feedback and control considerations, Fault detection and protection
Experience defining interfaces between sensors, embedded controllers, power electronics, and higher-level compute
Strong technical communication skills with the ability to clearly document and review complex system behavior
Comfortable working on-site 5 days per week in Mountain View, CA

Nice to have

Experience with autonomous mobile robots, industrial vehicles, or material handling equipment
Prior involvement in safety certification, audits, or compliance testing for industrial or robotic systems
Familiarity with system integration, bring-up, and hardware validation testing
Experience working in fast-paced product development environments with cross-functional teams

What we offer

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

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Staff Systems Engineer

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