Systems Engineer - Autonomous Surface Loading Machines

Randstad Technologies

Chillicothe, IL

job summary:
Seeking a Systems Engineer to support development and integration of autonomous technologies for Surface Loading machines including Wheel Loaders, Excavators, Tracked Loaders, and Hydraulic Mining Shovels.

This role focuses on system-level integration of autonomous machine features across multiple onboard electronic and mechanical subsystems. The engineer will work closely with software, controls, validation, and machine systems teams to define requirements, support feature integration, and ensure successful deployment of autonomous machine capabilities.

This is not an IT, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, or enterprise systems role. Candidates should have experience with off-highway vehicles, autonomous mobile systems, robotics, embedded systems, machine integration, or heavy equipment product development environments.

location: Chillicothe, Illinois
job type: Contract
salary: $41 - 45 per hour
work hours: 8am to 5pm
education: Bachelors

responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage system-level requirements for autonomous machine features
Decompose customer and business requirements into subsystem and functional requirements
Collaborate with machine software, controls, validation, and integration teams
Support integration and validation of autonomous features on Surface Loading machines
Coordinate across embedded software, electronic controls, sensors, networking, hydraulics, and machine systems teams
Evaluate technical tradeoffs involving performance, safety, timing, and system complexity
Communicate system readiness, technical risk, and integration status to engineering stakeholders
Support machine-level troubleshooting and systems integration activities
Ensure traceability between customer requirements, system requirements, validation, and implementation
Participate in autonomous machine testing, validation, and field support activities

Top Skills

Systems engineering experience supporting embedded, vehicle, robotics, or machine product development

Experience working with systems integration and validation teams

Experience with autonomous machines, off-highway equipment, robotics, mobile equipment, or heavy industrial systems

Technical Experience

Embedded systems or machine controls integration

Vehicle or machine system architecture

Autonomous systems, robotics, or advanced machine controls

Requirements decomposition and systems-level documentation

Integration of software, hardware, sensors, controls, and machine subsystems

Validation and troubleshooting of integrated systems

Cross-functional engineering collaboration in product development environments

Preferred Backgrounds

Mining equipment

Construction equipment

Autonomous mobile equipment

Robotics

Agricultural equipment

Heavy machinery

Vehicle systems engineering

Machine autonomy platforms

Client Command or centralized control systems

Preferred Technical Experience

CAN/J1939 networking

Embedded controls systems

Machine automation

Functional safety concepts

HIL/SIL validation environments

Systems integration testing

Autonomous vehicle systems

Sensor integration

Electronic control systems

Hydraulic/electrohydraulic systems

Real-time systems

Soft Skills

Strong technical communication skills

Ability to explain complex engineering concepts to multiple stakeholders

Strong systems-thinking mindset

Ability to influence technical decisions through data and engineering analysis

Experience working with global engineering teams

Strong documentation and traceability discipline

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field

5-7+ years of relevant engineering experience

qualifications:
Top Skills