Senior Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer

Job Description

Grounded is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Engineer & Embedded Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of the electrical architecture for our next generation of specialty vehicles. This role combines deep electrical engineering expertise with hands-on embedded firmware development — from power distribution and custom PCB design to firmware programming and protocol integration. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in electrical system design with a hands-on approach to integration, testing, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

As part of Grounded’s engineering team, you’ll help shape the electrical foundation of advanced mobile platforms that push the boundaries of sustainable and intelligent vehicle systems.

What You'll Do

Electrical Architecture & Design

• Design and develop the Grounded specialty vehicle electrical architecture for various specialty vehicle verticals, ensuring scalability and reliability across platforms.
• Perform system-level power analysis to model and validate electrical loads, distribution efficiency, and battery performance.
• Specify electrical components and equipment, including inverters, DC-DC converters, relays, fuses, and protection systems, in alignment with system requirements.
• Define and evaluate next-generation electrical system features, integrating emerging technologies and optimizing for manufacturability and serviceability.
• Select and specify connectors, terminals, and wire harness components for the Grounded electrical platform, ensuring compliance with automotive and safety standards (UL/ABYC/RVIA standards).
• Document system schematics, test procedures, and validation reports to support production readiness and regulatory compliance.

PCB Design & Embedded Firmware

• Design, fabricate, and test custom Grounded PCBs, including schematics, layouts, and firmware integration for vehicle control systems.
• Write and maintain embedded firmware (C/C ) for custom PCBs and vehicle control systems.
• Work directly with embedded communication protocols (CAN, RS485, RS232, I2C, USB serial)
• Reverse engineer third-party vendor protocols for integration (USB sniffing, serial analysis, CAN sniffing)
• Implement automotive/aerospace-grade reliability (shock, vibration, temperature, humidity)

System Integration and Troubleshooting

• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineering teams to ensure proper system packaging, signal integrity, and functional integration.
• Troubleshoot electrical and control systems on Grounded upfit vehicles in the field, diagnosing root causes and implementing design or firmware fixes.
• Support prototype and production builds, providing hands-on guidance to technicians during harness assembly, component installation, and system testing.
• Continuously improve Grounded’s electrical design standards, BOM accuracy, and system modularity for future vehicle programs.
• Identify and re-architect working-but-hacky systems for long-term stability and reliability.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in electrical system design.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and harness design tools (e.g., Altium, SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Strong understanding of low-voltage (12/24/48V) DC electrical systems, grounding, and protection strategies.
• Strong understanding of residential AC systems (120V, 240V split-phase). 
• In-depth knowledge of high-voltage electrical systems and components for electric vehicles.
• Experience with system power modeling, load analysis, and electrical safety standards (SAE, ISO, FMVSS).
• Hands-on experience with PCB design, fabrication, and testing.
• Familiarity with vehicle network architectures (CAN, LIN) and embedded control systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills with both bench and field systems.
• Strong documentation and communication skills; ability to work cross-functionally in a startup environment.

Nice to Have

• Python scripting for test automation and system configuration
• Understanding of compliance frameworks (UL, ABYC, RVIA, ISO 26262)
• Experience with embedded Linux, kernel modules, system-level programming
• Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers

About Grounded

Grounded is an innovative, Detroit-based startup founded by ex-SpaceX engineers, focusing on the development of smart, modular electric vehicle systems. We're a team made up of engineers, designers, ex-founders, and more. We assembled from around the world with the common goal of creating amazing products that will enable people to explore more without harming the planet.

We believe the world would be a better place if people had the freedom and self-reliance to live, work and explore anywhere, sustainably integrated within nature. That's why we're leading the electric revolution of recreational vehicles to allow people to get closer to nature (and work within it) without harming it.

Working at Grounded

You will have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the direction and culture of Grounded. Our team is small, agile, and highly technical, providing a unique chance to see your work transition from concept to high-value product. The work is challenging but rewarding, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced, innovative environments. We are looking for exceptional people to help form an exceptional culture.

Join Grounded to take part in shaping the future of electric vehicles and making a significant impact on the world. We believe in empowering our team, fostering creativity, and always pushing the boundaries.