Vehicle Integration & NPI Lead

About the role We're looking for a Vehicle Integration & NPI Lead to join our Hardware Team and lead the hands-on assembly, integration, and bring-up of our autonomous trucks. In this critical role, you'll be responsible for ensuring high-quality prototype builds and supporting the transition to scalable production processes. You'll work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate mechanical, electrical, and software systems, develop build documentation, and support field deployments. This role is ideal for someone with strong mechanical integration and fabrication skills, a deep understanding of mechatronic systems, and a passion for hands-on work both in the shop and in the field. This role is onsite 5 days a week at our Mountain View, CA office.. What you'll do Lead the mechanical integration and assembly of prototype autonomous trucks. Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to install subsystems, configure networking, flash software, and calibrate sensors. Develop and maintain detailed build documentation and integration procedures to ensure consistency and traceability across vehicle builds. Manage retrofits, upgrades, and maintenance of prototype vehicles both onsite and at remote test locations. Define and enforce best practices for integration, including installation quality, routing, serviceability, and QA checks. Work closely with manufacturing partners and internal teams to evaluate DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) considerations. Support the transition from prototype to low-volume production by contributing integration expertise to early manufacturing planning, tooling evaluation, and process development. Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues during assembly and field testing. Travel regularly to support vehicle builds, deployments, and test operations across the US. What we're looking for 7+ years of hands-on experience in prototype vehicle builds, hardware integration, or low-volume manufacturing. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering—or equivalent technical training and practical experience. Strong background working with complex mechatronic systems in industries such as automotive, robotics, aerospace, or industrial automation. Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for mechanical design, part review, and integration planning. Hands-on experience with prototyping tools and fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, machining, and manual fabrication. Experience integrating sensors (e.g., LiDAR, radar, cameras), harnesses, and embedded hardware into vehicle platforms. Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols such as CAN and Ethernet, as well as basic system calibration workflows. Experience working with manufacturing and test equipment, and writing or maintaining build documentation and SOPs. Comfortable working in Linux environments and writing basic scripts to support automation, testing, or diagnostics. Bonus Points Experience designing or assembling automotive wiring harnesses and power distribution systems. Knowledge of PCB layout, electronics troubleshooting, or bench-level debugging. Experience using CNC machines, waterjet cutters, or other advanced fabrication tools. Prior involvement in supporting field deployments or test operations for autonomous or research vehicles.