System Design Engineer
Job Purpose:
The System Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of electro-hydraulic control systems, machine electrical architectures, and embedded controls software for off-highway equipment. This position owns system architecture from concept through production release. Works cross-functionally with mechanical, hydraulic, manufacturing, procurement and service teams to deliver robust, safe, and compliant machines.
Essential Functions:
- System Architecture & Design: Defines and documents machine-level electrical, electro-hydraulic, and control system architecture, including controller selection, I/O allocation, CAN network maps, and power distribution.
- Embedded Controls Software: Develops or communicates with outside suppliers the requirements for software, using applications such as Danfoss PLUS+1, and CODESYS (IEC 61131-3), C and C++ and Parker IQAN for machine control solutions.
- CAN / J1939 Communication: Designs and configures CAN and SAE J1939 networks between ECUs, engines, transmissions, telematics, and displays.
- 3D Integration & PLM: Uses 3D software such as Siemens NX to package electrical controls, harnesses, sensors in the machine model while managing revisions, BOMs, and release workflows in Siemens Teamcenter.
- Wire Harness & Electrical Schematics: Designs production-ready wire harnesses using IGE-XAO and AutoCAD or DraftSight (schematics, from-to lists, connector tables, manufacturing drawings) and selects wire gauges, connectors, seals, and terminations suited to off-highway environments; coordinates with harness suppliers on design considerations.
- System Troubleshooting & Validation: Leads troubleshooting of prototypes and training for production machines. Works with Engineering Technicians to development and write validation plans.
- Field Support & Continuous Improvement: Supports testing, customer visits, and warranty investigations, analyzes test and field data and proposes design improvements, ECRs/ECOs.
- Compliance & Documentation: Produces and maintains system requirements, FMEAs, , and technical files supporting SAE J1939, ISO/CE Machinery Regulation and EPA requirements.
- Project Execution & Collaboration: Manages multiple development projects concurrently, works with outside suppliers, and other business units.
- Tools & Training: Is fluent in Microsoft Office Suite and standard engineering computing tools; learns new development software and attends training as required to maintain competency.