Systems Integration Technician

Systems Integration Technician

The Systems Integration Technician builds, modifies, and maintains prototype autonomous vehicles and test platforms, integrating mechanical and electrical systems to support advanced autonomous technologies. This role works hands-on in a prototyping-heavy environment, fabricating custom parts, assembling and routing wiring, and executing test plans both in the lab and on the road. The technician collaborates closely with engineers to rapidly iterate on hardware and integration approaches while maintaining a safe, organized prototyping shop.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and maintain prototype autonomous vehicles, test platforms, and test benches to support ongoing development and validation activities.
• Integrate mechanical and electrical components, including sensors, actuators, compute units, and power systems, into cohesive and reliable systems.
• Fabricate brackets, mounts, and custom parts using rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, welders, and other fabrication equipment.
• Build, route, and secure wire harnesses, performing soldering and crimping, and troubleshoot electrical connections to ensure robust and safe operation.
• Execute test plans for autonomous systems, collecting and organizing system performance data during both in-lab and on-road testing.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to refine hardware designs, improve integration approaches, and resolve issues discovered during testing.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and system integration issues, using systematic troubleshooting techniques and appropriate tools.
• Work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, or verbal guidance to produce functional mechanical and electrical assemblies.
• Create custom mechanical or electrical assemblies from scratch or adapt existing systems creatively to meet project requirements.
• Use CAD tools to design parts and assemblies, ensuring they are manufacturable and compatible with existing systems.
• Maintain the prototyping garage and shop, ensuring tools, materials, and components are organized, accessible, and safe to use.
• Document builds and integration work clearly when needed, supporting knowledge sharing and repeatability of successful configurations.

Essential Skills

• Exposure to autonomous systems, including technologies such as LiDAR, radar, GPS/INS, cameras, or drive-by-wire systems.
• Hands-on experience with embedded electronics or embedded systems, including platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and sensor integration.
• Understanding of vehicle systems such as chassis, suspension, and drivetrain, and how they interact with integrated electronic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to create custom mechanical or electrical assemblies from scratch or creatively adapt existing systems.
• Ability to work from engineering drawings, rough sketches, or verbal guidance to produce working mechanical and electrical assemblies.
• Ability to create parts in CAD software, with preference for experience using SolidWorks or NX.
• Experience building and routing wire harnesses, performing soldering and crimping, and troubleshooting electrical connections.
• Familiarity with LiDAR systems and related electrical and vehicle system integration.
• Experience with software installation and configuration on embedded or compute platforms used in autonomous systems.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented mindset with a strong focus on completing tasks in a prototyping-heavy, hands-on environment.
• Comfort working with mechanical tools, electrical prototyping equipment, and basic fabrication tools.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, or system integration issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an R&D lab, automotive or motorsports shop, or hardware prototyping environment.
• Skills in welding, machining, CNC operation, or composite fabrication, including fiberglass or carbon fiber components.
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols such as CAN and LIN, and use of related diagnostic tools.
• Experience documenting builds and integration work using collaboration platforms such as Confluence or Jira.
• Proven hands-on experience building or customizing vehicles, motorcycles, robotic systems, drones, or RC vehicles.
• Experience working with autonomous systems, including LiDAR, radar, GPS/INS, cameras, or drive-by-wire systems in practical applications.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes rapid prototyping, iteration, and continuous improvement.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to work closely with engineers and other technical team members.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a prototyping garage and shop environment that supports the development of autonomous vehicles and related systems. The technician works hands-on with mechanical tools, electrical prototyping equipment, and basic fabrication tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, welders, and other rapid prototyping technologies. The position involves a mix of in-lab work and on-road testing, requiring comfort around vehicles, test platforms, and active hardware setups. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and proper handling of tools, materials, and components, with a strong focus on maintaining a clean, orderly, and well-equipped workspace. Work hours may vary based on project needs and testing schedules, and the culture encourages practical problem-solving, close collaboration with engineers, and a highly engaged, get-it-done approach to building and integrating advanced autonomous systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Rochester Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $43.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester Hills, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.