Lead Systems Engineer

Summary

Join Blue River Technology as a Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer and lead the architecture of new features for John Deere vehicles, shepherding them through development. Collaborate with exceptional design engineers to brainstorm, document, and develop verification and validation test plans. Work with cross-functional teams to break down features into actionable tasks and requirements. The role requires in-depth technical experience in developing complex safety-critical systems and strong communication skills. This is a fast-paced, ambitious role contributing to operator-free automation in agriculture. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• 5 or more years of relevant engineering work experience demonstrating the ability to tackle technical challenges, analyze cross-disciplinary problems, and propose innovative solutions in the context of autonomous systems
• Experience with data collection, statistical analysis, and developing metrics to support system evaluation or improvement
• Proven ability to contribute to or lead cross-functional initiatives, driving alignment and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the development process
• Strong skills to clearly communicate verbally and in writing, and produce clean technical documentation to effectively present complex ideas to diverse audiences
• Ability to quickly work in a start-up environment, help team members outside of your lane, and manage multiple ongoing projects
• Knowledge of ISO-18497, ISO-26262, ISO/PAS 21448 or similar (DO-178, ARP-4754, IEC 62304, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Work across teams, gathering and analyzing critical data to architect new features, define metrics, qualify systems for release, and influence system design decisions based on evidence-based insights
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive requirements in alignment with safety, regulatory, and product needs
• Create and maintain clear, precise documentation to support system designs, decisions, and processes while ensuring buy-in from stakeholders and fostering a collaborative team culture
• Coordinate the integration of features from concept through verification and validation to fleet deployment
• Investigate field issues and bugs and drive action toward resolution

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large-scale system architecture, including integrating hardware and software systems in a regulated or safety-critical environment
• Proven track record of defining and implementing process improvements that enhance productivity, test coverage, or system reliability
• Hands-on experience in embedded system development, software development, and/or verification and validation of such systems
• Knowledge of automotive, robotics, or related industries, particularly in areas like safety systems, motion planning, or perception systems

Benefits

The US annual base salary range for this position is $142,000 - $250,000, along with eligibility for Blue River’s bonus and benefit programs