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 better land use in order to foster more green, vibrant and livable spaces. Since our founding in 2017, we’ve given more than 500,000 autonomous rides to real people around the globe. And we’re just getting started.

We’re hiring people who share our passion for building the future, today, solving real-world problems and seeing the impact of their work. Join us.Job SummaryThe 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 and control core vehicle functions — body controls, brake, steer, and throttle — while advancing the fidelity of those controls to improve rider comfort. Beyond enabling basic functionality, this role ensures that vehicle dynamics remain a first-class part of active developmen. Success in this role requires expertise in simulation, energy management, and embedded programming, along with the technical leadership to set direction for vehicle controls across current and future platforms.Essential ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain a platform-agnostic controls abstraction layer, defining the interfaces that allow the ADK to integrate efficiently with new vehicle platformsDevelop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure seamless communication between base vehicle components and autonomy, powertrain, and telematics softwareSpearhead the development of control algorithms for body controls, brake, steer, and throttle, prioritizing rider comfort and ride qualityApply deep domain expertise in automotive network topologies (CAN-FD, automotive Ethernet, FlexRay), embedded software (C/C++), and functional safety standards across controls and interface designDefine 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 prototypesIntegrate energy management considerations into control strategies and interface designEstablish vehicle dynamics targets and verify performance against them throughout developmentLeverage a system level understanding of our products and technologies to support cross-functional engineering effortsCollaborate with systems engineering, system architects, and OEM platform partners to align controls interfaces across programsProvide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers Performing FMEA analysis, tracking findings to resolutionSkills and AbilitiesSuccess in this role typically requires the following competencies:Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skillsAbility to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environmentUnderstanding of agile startup and engineering principles and mindsetDeep expertise in control systems and control theory, with application to vehicle dynamicsProficiency in embedded software development for real-time control systemsProficiency with simulation and model-based design tools for control development and validationExperience designing abstraction layers or portable interfaces across hardware platformsWorking knowledge of vehicle networking and E/E architecture, such as CAN and automotive EthernetCuriosity to learn and desire to improvePassionate about self-driving cars and their impact on the worldStrong working knowledge of ADAS/Autonomous Vehicle systemsQualifications and ExperienceCandidates most successful in this role typically hold the following qualifications or comparable knowledge or experience:RequiredBachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Robotics, or a related field from an accredited university8+ years experience in vehicle controls, embedded controls, or related automotive engineering working on combined hardware/software productsExperience developing and deploying control algorithms for vehicle functions, such as brake, steer, and throttleProficiency in embedded programming, such as C/C++, for real-time systemsDesirableA Master’s or PhD in Controls, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experienceExperience abstracting vehicle controls across multiple platforms or supporting OEM platform programsKnowledge of autonomous vehicle technologies, such as LIDAR, radar, ethernet, and CANExperience in Autonomous Vehicles, Machine Learning, and RoboticsExperience working in a startupPhysical RequirementsStandard office working conditions which includes but is not limited to:Prolonged sittingProlonged standingProlonged computer useMay require periodic work in a vehicle, laboratory, or test environmentTravel required?

- Minimal to Moderate: 5%-15%Benefits and PerksComprehensive 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!May Mobility is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected basis.   Below, you have the opportunity to share your preferred gender pronouns, gender, ethnicity, and veteran status with May Mobility to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring and recruitment processes. Completion of these questions is entirely voluntary.  Any information you choose to provide will be kept confidential, and will not impact the hiring decision in any way. If you believe that you will need any type of accommodation, please let us know.Note to Recruitment Agencies: May Mobility does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Furthermore, May Mobility does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.Salary Range$150,000—$180,000 USDMay Mobility uses automated tools to support — but not replace — human judgment in our recruiting process, to find out more please click here