Staff Hardware Engineer (Autonomous Vehicle Compute & Sensor Systems)
FERNRIDE is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging because we value and celebrate everyone's differences and individuality. We strive to create an open, safe space in which you feel empowered and authentic. FERNRIDE has 50 employees from 10+ countries. Our culture is characterized by the company values and fundamentals:
#wewinasoneteam #weexecuteanddeliver #weareambitiousinnovators #weareopentochange #weputcustomervaluefirst #respect #professionalism #safety.
FERNRIDE builds autonomous vehicle systems for mission-critical logistics. We’re looking for a Staff Hardware Engineer to own compute and sensor set hardware design from concept through prototype integration and product validation—bridging R&D prototypes into robust, production-grade vehicle platforms.
What you will work on / How you will leave your footprint
- Compute & sensor set design: work closely with stakeholders on definition of system architecture, components selection, and integration of compute, sensors (incl. cleaning), networking, and communication components into vehicle platforms.
- Prototype integration: plan and execute bring-up, commissioning, mechanical and electrical integration, and troubleshooting of new hardware in vehicle prototypes.
- Design verification & validation: lead HW validation plans, execute test campaigns, and drive design improvements through data and root-cause analysis.
- Harnessing: design and evolve harnesses from prototype builds to production-grade solutions for autonomous defence logistics vehicles (routing, shielding, connectors, strain relief, serviceability, manufacturing readiness).
- Breadboard & HIL: design, build, and commission breadboards and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups for rapid iteration and regression testing.
- Vehicle networks: design and validate architectures using CAN and Automotive Ethernet (100/1000BASE-T1); manage vehicle internal network configuration and interfaces.
- Connectivity systems: specify, integrate, and test external network configurations including GNSS, 4G/5G, Starlink, and tactical data links.
- Integration & testing: execute system-level integration, define acceptance criteria, and support field testing with fast feedback loops into engineering.
- Hands-on workshop support: actively support build-ups, harness builds, rework, and vehicle integration in the workshop—especially during intense prototype phases.
- Cross-functional leadership: work closely with autonomy, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and operations teams; provide technical direction and drive decisions.
What you bring to the team
- Hardware engineering background with 5+ years experience in robotics; ideally autonomous driving or safety-/mission-critical vehicle systems.
- Strong experience in compute and sensor system integration (selection, bring-up, validation).
- Proven track record designing and delivering vehicle wiring harnesses from prototype to production-grade solutions.
- Experience with rapid prototyping tools (manual tools and 3D printing) and Solidworks
- Experience with CAN, diagnostics basics, and Automotive Ethernet (T1) networks; comfortable designing and debugging vehicle network configurations.
- Practical experience with HIL/breadboard setups, test instrumentation, and commissioning.
- Experience integrating and validating GNSS and cellular connectivity; familiarity with satellite connectivity (e.g., Starlink) and/or tactical communications is a plus.
- Strong integration and test mindset: systematic debugging, clean documentation, and validation-driven engineering.
- Hands-on mentality and willingness to jump into builds, bring-up, and workshop work when needed.
- Basic software/tooling skills: Python scripting and Vector tooling (e.g., CANoe/CANalyzer or similar).
Nice to have
- Experience with ruggedized platforms, harsh environments, EMC/EMI considerations, and grounding/shielding best practices.
- Familiarity with functional safety concepts (even if you’re not the safety owner).
- Experience with supplier management, test houses, or production ramp support.
What we offer @ FERNRIDE
At FERNRIDE, we believe in empowering you to thrive both personally and professionally. Our benefits are thoughtfully designed to support your growth, well-being, and aspirations while fostering a strong sense of work-life harmony. Here’s how we support you:
- Flexible working hours & remote work
- All-day breakfast and unlimited drinks, fruits, and snacks
- Lunch subsidy
- Select one of three options: (1) EUR 40 Spendit card /month (2) Wellpass (3) Mobility card
- Company pension scheme
- Team, department, and company events
- 30 days of vacation
- Up to six weeks of remote work in countries covered under the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
Who we are
At FERNRIDE, we believe in a future where robotics unlocks human potential to create a better world. Yet today, humans still perform repetitive, risky tasks to keep our world running. These jobs, essential yet unattractive, should be performed by robots, which still fall short. We are on a mission to change that and transform critical industries through human-centric automation.
FERNRIDE delivers a comprehensive ground autonomy platform to offer scalable automation solutions across industries. They span from container terminals and yard operations via defence logistics to open-road trucking. By combining AI-powered autonomy with human oversight and modular, vehicle-agnostic hardware, we enable businesses and defence organizations to harness the full potential of automation, driving efficiency and safety.
FERNRIDE was founded in 2019 following 10 years of research at the Technical University of Munich and currently has 50 employees. We are setting the standard for autonomous logistics and advancing Europe’s technological sovereignty by delivering the first-ever fully certified autonomous trucking system in Europe in 2025.