What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Engineer position at LER TechForce?
Systems Engineer - Performance Electronics (Aftermarket)
Location: Bowling Green, KY (Onsite)
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Are you driven by engines, performance, and the thrill of making machines go faster?
If you’re the kind of engineer who stays up late reading about engine management strategies, spends weekends at the track, drag strip, or in the garage, or was involved in SAE, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, or similar hands-on engineering teams during undergrad, this role was built for you.
LER TechForce is seeking a Systems Engineer to support the development of aftermarket performance electronics while working onsite in Bowling Green, KY.
This is not a traditional OEM systems role. This is systems engineering for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
Who We Are - LER TechForce
LER TechForce is an industry leader in embedded controls, software, functional safety, and engineering talent. For over 20 years, LER has partnered with customers across North America to deliver critical engineering expertise and build high-impact technical teams.
Learn more about life at LER TechForce:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ler-techforce/life/9e3c2a5c-579d-4526-b79f-2bf63a79bedd/
Position Summary
The Systems Engineer serves as the technical glue between product vision and execution for complex aftermarket performance electronics. In many ways, this role is closer to a Technical Product Lead Engineer than a traditional OEM systems role.
You will define the right product from the ground up—balancing "want-to-have" enthusiast-driven features with technical feasibility, quality, safety, and launch readiness. You will work cross-functionally across embedded firmware, application software (UI/UX), hardware, PCB, mechanical, wiring/harnesses, validation, and product teams to ensure alignment from concept through launch.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Understands customers because they are the customer
- Has real technical depth in systems engineering
- Thrives in an environment where one individual owns and drives many aspects of a product
- Lead systems engineering for aftermarket performance electronic products (ECUs, ignition modules, fuel injection systems, interface modules, controllers).
- Define system-level requirements that align customer needs, product vision, and engineering execution.
- Gather and translate inputs from product management, marketing, customers, and internal teams into clear, testable system specifications.
- Own system architecture spanning embedded firmware, application/UI software, hardware, PCB, mechanical components, and wiring harnesses.
- Drive alignment between firmware and software teams as they converge to meet shared product goals.
- Lead cross-functional execution from early concept through production launch.
- Oversee system integration, validation, and calibration activities in vehicle, dyno, lab, and drag racing environments.
- Identify technical and product risks early and drive mitigation strategies.
- Support root cause analysis across design, manufacturing, installation, and field-use issues.
- Influence functional safety (FuSa) considerations appropriate for performance and consumer electronics products.
We care about passion, capability, and real-world experience as much as formal years on a resume.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Strong understanding of internal combustion engines and engine management systems.
- Experience with performance automotive ECUs, ignition systems, fuel injection systems, and PC-based tuning/calibration software.
- Experience contributing to or leading system-level integration across embedded software, firmware, and hardware.
- Hands-on experience with vehicle testing, dyno testing, diagnostics, or calibration.
- Understanding of CAN and automotive communication protocols.
- Familiarity with complex automotive wiring systems; experience with high-quality wiring practices is a strong plus.
- Experience in consumer electronics or performance aftermarket products is a plus.
- Genuine enthusiasm for cars, engines, racing, or performance vehicles (drag racing experience is a plus).
- Background such as SAE involvement, running or working at a dyno or performance shop, customer-facing technical roles, or building/tuning vehicles.
- Targeting ~3 years of relevant experience; years of experience are flexible for candidates who demonstrate strong technical ability, systems thinking, and deep automotive passion.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Must be comfortable working onsite in Bowling Green, KY.
- Own and drive complete systems—not just a piece of one
- Build enthusiast-focused products with real customer impact
- Combine systems engineering discipline with hands-on automotive passion
- Work in a fast-moving, product-driven environment unlike traditional OEM roles