Senior Electrical Engineer – Vehicle Systems

Senior Electrical Engineer – Vehicle Systems 

Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to contribute to the design and development of vehicle electrical systems for our autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles. This role focuses on system-level architecture for vehicle electronics—including power distribution, braking systems, safety-critical control logic, and compute/sensor networks. You’ll own the design of high-reliability electrical systems that are tightly integrated with mechanical, software, and autonomy components and subject to regulatory oversight. 

The ideal candidate brings automotive or vehicle experience, has worked on regulated, safety-critical systems, and thrives in cross-functional environments where end-to-end vehicle design is the norm. 

Responsibilities: 

• Architect electrical systems across the vehicle platform, including power distribution, actuation (e.g. braking), sensor networks, and compute hardware. 
• Define system requirements, safety goals, and functional architecture for safety-critical subsystems. 
• Interface with hardware vendors and internal teams for electrical component selection, system validation, and integration. 
• Develop safety and compliance documentation (e.g., DFMEAs, system hazard analyses, regulatory test plans). 
• Drive system-level reviews across hardware, software, and mechanical teams to ensure robust, scalable designs. 
• Provide technical leadership in root cause analysis and failure mode mitigation during development and field testing. 

What Success Looks Like: 

• In 30 Days: You’ve reviewed existing vehicle architectures and are contributing to the definition of system-level requirements for new or upgraded subsystems (e.g., braking control, high voltage distribution). You’re actively participating in safety reviews and design discussions. 
• In 60 Days: You’re leading the design and documentation of a new electrical subsystem. You’ve outlined validation and compliance testing plans and are driving system alignment across disciplines. 
• In 90 Days: You’ve completed a first-pass system architecture for a new subsystem and led its integration into a prototype or test vehicle. You’re actively shaping the roadmap for future electrical system upgrades and regulatory milestones. 

Basic Requirements: 

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with 5+ years of experience in complex electromechanical systems 
• Proven experience in system-level electrical design for vehicles or safety-critical systems (automotive, aerospace, rail, etc.) 
• Deep understanding of power distribution, control logic, and embedded communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet, SPI) 
• Experience working cross-functionally with software, mechanical, and compliance teams 
• Comfortable developing system safety documentation and supporting regulatory approvals 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience designing or integrating braking systems, especially in automotive, rail, or aerospace contexts 
• Familiarity with ISO 26262, ASIL, IEC 61508, or other functional safety frameworks 
• Hands-on experience leading systems through regulatory testing and certification processes 
• Working knowledge of battery management, compute enclosures, and sensor fusion hardware 
• Strong system modeling or simulation background (SPICE, MATLAB, etc.)