Principal Hardware Engineer, Radar Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Summary:

Our Component Engineering Team in Pittsburgh is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer for Radar Components to lead the development of next-generation radar technology powering advanced mobility systems. In this role, you'll take ownership of radar component design from concept to production, defining requirements, selecting and managing suppliers, integrating systems, driving testing and validation, resolving issues, and ensuring production readiness.

This is an onsite, hybrid position based in Pittsburgh, PA.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead technical supplier management, coordinating technical activities and project milestones across internal and external stakeholders.
• Compile, define, and maintain complete sets of requirements for radar components.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Perception, Systems, Mechanical, Vehicle, Manufacturing, Quality, Software, Cybersecurity, Diagnostics, and Reliability teams.
• Develop and support testing for ML-based algorithms, including test design, planning, execution, and data collection.
• Lead radar acceptance, performance, and characterization testing to ensure robust system performance.
• Support and drive vehicle integration efforts for radar systems.
• Conduct root cause analysis and oversee issue resolution to maintain quality and reliability.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on radar components and processes.

What we're looking for:

• Deep understanding of radar hardware, radar DSP, and radar testing and performance.
• Proven experience developing automotive radar components and radar system design.
• 5+ years of experience in the automotive or a related industry.
• Experience with multi-domain controllers, secure gateways, or ADAS controller development.
• Comfortable debugging, disassembling, modifying, and installing electrical and mechanical systems in vehicles.
• Strong ability to operate within rigid design, integration, and time constraints.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle electrical and networking systems (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate globally across teams and levels to drive project success.
• Self-motivated, organized, and flexible individual with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple diverse projects.
• Creative and resourceful problem-solver who ensures quality results independently and in teams.
• Hands-on vehicle integration experience, including wiring harnesses and packaging, is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (STEM) or a related field.

This position may require the use of power tools, as defined by OSHA (electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic, or powder-actuated tools). While performing job duties, employees may be required to convey and detect communication, remain stationary for up to 50% of the time, move within designated areas, and operate office equipment. The role may occasionally involve moving objects up to 50 pounds.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional's benefits program. Motional's benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range

$176,000—$242,000 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We're driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We're creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it's not only good for our business, it's the right thing to do.

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We're driven to scale; we're moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.