Systems Engineer, Autonomous Systems

A combination, not necessarily all-inclusive, of the following:

• Own the requirements lifecycle. You will elicit, define, and maintain system and subsystem-level requirements across hardware, software, and machine learning components.
• Maintain traceability. You will establish and manage rigorous requirements traceability matrices to seamlessly connect high-level operational concepts down to component specifications and test cases.
• Drive V&V strategy. You will design, document, and execute comprehensive verification and validation plans, defining test procedures for both simulated and physical field-testing environments.
• Build validation tooling. You will develop, script, and maintain custom simulation tools and validation frameworks to analyze vehicle performance, edge-case behaviors, and safety boundaries.
• Execute risk mitigation. You will actively contribute to and facilitate FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analyses), FTAs, and Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessments (HARA) to ensure robust system safety.
• Collaborate cross-functionally. You will serve as a critical technical bridge, translating complex concepts between machine learning researchers, embedded software engineers, hardware designers, and safety managers.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of post-academic experience in systems engineering for sophisticated, safety-critical cyber-physical systems (autonomous vehicles, robotics, aerospace).
• Proven track record of designing, documenting, and executing robust V&V programs for complex systems.
• Strong scripting or programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink) used to build, customize, and maintain simulation and validation tools.
• Experience with structured systems engineering methodologies and requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS, Jira).

• Direct experience working with heavy machinery, agricultural equipment, or off-highway autonomous vehicles.
• Familiarity with functional safety frameworks and standards relevant to autonomy (ISO 26262, ISO 19014, ISO 21448/SOTIF, IEC 61508).
• Experience validating machine learning models, perception stacks, or autonomy behavior logic in safety-critical applications.
• Hands-on experience working cross-functionally to gather and maintain requirements spanning software, hardware, vehicle systems, and Operational Design Domain (ODD).
• Familiarity with robotics middleware and frameworks like ROS/ROS2.

Only individual applicants will be considered.

We do not work with unsolicited third-party agencies or proxy interview services.

At Blue River, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package.

For this position, the reasonably expected pay range is between $131,000 – $228,000/year for the level at which this job has been scoped.

Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills.

This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus and a competitive benefit package.

During the recruitment process, we may identify an alternative role or level to which you are more suited.

If your ideal role at Blue River differs from the advertised position, we will provide an updated pay range as soon as possible during the hiring process.

We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.

While we have more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion, we’re investing in our programs, including recruiting, mentorship, career development, and learning & development, to ensure they support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals.

We support each employee in living a full life, enabling a thriving career, and accomplishing a meaningful, challenging mission while collaborating with incredible people.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align completely with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request an accommodation.