HIL System Engineer

About Us

Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems. Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware‑agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving. In our fast‑paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, lean into complex challenges, and aim high while staying humble. We constantly learn and evolve, paving the way for a smarter, safer future. At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact. Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!

The Role

We are building a new team from the ground up to develop the first generation of verification and validation infrastructure – both hardware and software – including automated Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) systems with sensors and vehicle system emulation. As a HIL System Engineer, you’ll lead the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of scalable and modular HIL benches that support end‑to‑end system integration and validation across multiple vehicle platforms. You’ll own the full lifecycle of HIL benches – from requirements gathering and hardware integration to commissioning and workflow improvement. You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams including software, hardware, and system validation to ensure HIL systems are reliable, configurable, cost‑efficient, and always ready to support fast‑paced releases.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect modular, configurable, and cost‑effective HIL bench designs for platform integration and validation
• Consolidate system and test requirements from stakeholders to define HIL design
• Select and integrate off‑the‑shelf and custom components (e.g., GPIO module, FPGA board, signal conditioning module, power supply)
• Collaborate with supply chain, program management, hardware, and facility teams to ensure procurement, build, and lab readiness
• Own the commissioning workflow for all benches and lead continuous improvement to reduce build and bring‑up time
• Collaborate with other HIL engineers to integrate sensor emulation, automation, and configuration management
• Contribute to infrastructure that scales with future test demands and evolving hardware/software platforms
• Lead HIL bench issue resolution and root cause analysis

About You

You are passionate about architecting hardware‑software test systems that enable scalable and high‑reliability open‑loop and closed‑loop testing. You enjoy bridging hardware, software, and system engineering within the test validation workflow, and thrive in fast‑moving, cross‑functional environments. You care about reliability, scalability, and efficiency – and are committed to delivering test platforms that others can count on. You bring a mindset of continuous improvement and take ownership of processes and HIL bench products.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in System Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience designing and managing HIL systems and test benches in autonomous vehicle, robotics, aerospace, or similar industries
• Solid understanding of system integration and ECU communication protocols
• Experience selecting and integrating components such as dSPACE/NI/Vector modules, media converters, power supplies, and DAQ hardware
• Strong background with diagnostic tools including, but not limited to Vector and Kvaser
• Proficiency in Linux or Unix‑based operating systems and command‑line tools
• Proven experience in system debugging, issue resolution, and root‑cause analysis across hardware/software integration with the ability to drive issues to closure and implement preventive improvements
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and lead others to solve technical problems even when you don’t manage them
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals across the full product life cycle, from architecture to decommission
• Excellent cross‑functional communication skills

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous systems including robotics and/or autonomous vehicles
• Exposure to vehicle dynamics modeling or closed‑loop HIL testing
• Strong programming/scripting skills in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB/Simulink
• Proficiency with agile development tools and environments (Jira, Jama, etc.)
• Familiarity with automotive software development requirements and standards such as ASPICE, ISO 26262, ISO 21448 (SOTIF), automotive HIL SW and HW products (e.g., Vector and dSPACE), and automotive SW architecture such as AUTOSAR

This is a full‑time role based in our office in Sunnyvale. We operate a hybrid working policy that combines time in our offices and workshops with time spent working from home. Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience. If you require accommodations, please let us know. We understand that not everyone will meet all the requirements listed above. If you’re passionate about self‑driving cars and think you have what it takes to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply. At Wayve we're committed to creating a diverse, fair, and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone based on their unique skills and perspectives, and regardless of sex, race, religion, or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis protected by applicable law.