What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Engineer - Vehicle and Propulsion Architecture position at Knightscope?
About Knightscope
Knightscope is a security technology company building the Nation’s First Autonomous Security Force. The Company combines autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Knightscope’s long-term mission is to make the United States of America the safest country in the world
Job Summary
Knightscope is seeking a Staff Vehicle and Propulsion Architecture Engineer to own the top-level vehicle architecture and powertrain integration of our four-wheeled autonomous platforms. In this role, you will be the technical owner of the master CAD assembly and the powertrain system, balancing packaging, manufacturability, serviceability, cost, and performance as you integrate mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems into a cohesive vehicle. You will operate at the intersection of mechanical design, propulsion engineering, and systems integration, bringing structure and rigor to vehicle development in a fast-moving startup environment.
About the Role
As a Staff-level technical leader, you will drive vehicle and powertrain integration from concept through production, setting the architectural direction that determines how our platforms are packaged, built, and serviced.
Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ
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Key Responsibilities
- Own the top-level CAD assembly of a four-wheeled vehicle platform, with a strong emphasis on packaging, manufacturability, serviceability, cost and integration of key sub-systems.
- Own powertrain requirements definition, selection, interfaces, and hardware and software integration.
- Define and execute vehicle level requirements and testing
- Collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as industrial design, to identify and resolve packaging and interface issues.
- Facilitate cross-functional alignment through design reviews, clash management, and packaging trade-offs, with a system-level view that balances performance, manufacturability, and ergonomics.
- Drive vehicle and powertrain integration workflows and timelines, introducing structured and repeatable processes into a fast-moving startup environment.
- Support the transition from prototype to production through well-organized documentation and coordination with manufacturing and supply chain teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering
- Experience designing systems with a combination of custom and off the shelf parts
- 10 years of automotive experience
- Strong technical background in body structures, applying fundamentals of beams, columns and panels to automotive or motorcycle manufacturing methods.
- Strong technical background in electric motors, with the ability to define, develop, validate a powertrain end to end.
- Experience with Vector/ETAS/New Eagle tools (CANape, INCA, RaptorCAL, etc.)
- Experience designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical and electromechanical systems
- Hands-on experience in prototype development and vehicle validation
- Familiarity with powertrain software development (MATLAB/Simulink/RaptorDEV)
- Ability to read and work with electrical schematics, with a sound understanding of automotive bus systems (CAN, Ethernet)
- Understanding of fundamental engineering processes, including hardware and software release, requirements definition, and test planning
- Expert in 3D CAD (preferably Solidworks), with a proven ability to manage complex, top-level assemblies including occupant environments and structural systems.
- Proficient in PLM systems and workflows; able to define and manage part structures and release processes.
- Demonstrated experience designing and integrating major vehicle sub-systems while balancing requirements of A-class surfaces.
- Strong understanding of multi-domain trade-offs in vehicle packaging and powertrain
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional integration efforts, ideally having brought one or more complex platforms through launch.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $180,000 - $210,000
- Equity: Stock options
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off
- Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ
Salary : $180,000 - $210,000