Job Description

We seek a skilled Vehicle Integration Engineer to integrate our GPS-free positioning system into diverse civilian and military vehicles. This role demands expertise in automotive integration, CAN bus, OBD-II, and J1939 protocols, hardware design, PCB development, and establishing a US-based manufacturing pipeline. You’ll analyze vehicle architectures, design hardware solutions, contribute to PCB design, set up manufacturing processes, and ensure seamless Bluetooth data transmission to our Android app. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced startup, brings an entrepreneurial mindset, and communicates effectively in a remote team. US citizenship is a strong preference due to our government and military clients.

Responsibilities:

Vehicle Analysis and Integration: Analyze vehicle hardware and networks through OEM documentation (e.g., wiring diagrams, ECU specifications) to integrate Tern’s GPS-free positioning system across diverse vehicle makes and models, ensuring compatibility with civilian and military architectures.

Hardware and PCB Design: Design hardware components (OBD-II/J1939 connectors, IMUs, ESP32-based systems) and contribute to PCB design, including schematic capture, layout, and validation, to support accurate CAN bus data collection for speed and heading.

Manufacturing Pipeline Setup: Be part of establishing and optimize a US-based manufacturing pipeline for hardware production, ensuring scalability, quality control, and compliance with automotive standards.

Integration Methods: Document and design integration/installation methods (e.g., harnesses, adapters) for vehicle connection points, ensuring clarity for Tern’s hardware and software teams.

Diagnostics and Testing: Perform diagnostics via OBD-II (J1979) and J1939, and conduct rigorous testing to validate system performance in offline scenarios, resolving potential issues.

Algorithm Development: Develop sensor fusion and localization algorithms for dead reckoning and map-matching, using vehicle sensor data to ensure precise positioning without GPS.

Data Transmission: Ensure reliable Bluetooth transmission of speed and heading data to Tern’s Android app, optimizing for low latency and data integrity.

Reverse Engineering Support: Assist in reverse engineering vehicle systems through manual and automated data collection to support integration and troubleshoot compatibility.

Third-Party Evaluation: Test and evaluate third-party products (e.g., sensors, modules) for integration, ensuring compatibility and performance.

Root Cause Analysis: Execute test plans to identify adverse interactions between Tern’s system and vehicles, proposing solutions to enhance reliability.

Customer Support: Resolve complex technical issues through virtual or in-person site visits for customers, including car manufacturers and government/military clients.

Tooling and Improvement: Contribute to software tools for vehicle integration and stay updated on advancements in navigation, sensor technology, and automotive systems.

Data Analysis: Use SQL queries and Python scripts to analyze data (e.g., Google BigQuery) to assess device health and evaluate new functionality.

Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Automotive Engineering, Robotics or a related field.

Experience:

  • 5+ years in automotive vehicle systems, including sensors, actuators, control systems, diagnostics, and electrical/communications architecture design and operation.
  • Proven expertise in vehicle integration using CAN bus, OBD-II (J1979), and J1939 protocols across civilian and military vehicles.
  • Extensive experience in hardware design, PCB development (schematic design, layout, validation), and production for automotive applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to set up and manage manufacturing pipelines, preferably in the US, with a focus on quality and scalability.
  • Relevant experience in positioning/navigation systems, autonomous driving, or GPS-free technologies.

Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in vehicle diagnostics via OBD-II (J1979), J1939, and standards like KWP, UDS; familiarity with legacy systems (ISO 9141, ISO 14230, SAE J1850, J1708).
  • Expertise in vehicle architecture, embedded systems, CAN bus protocols, and PCB design tools.
  • Familiarity with Automotive Ethernet and Diagnostics over IP (DoIP).
  • Proficiency in programming/debugging embedded systems, including microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32) and Bluetooth protocols.
  • Knowledge of sensor fusion, inertial navigation, and map-matching for dead reckoning and localization. We add things on top of this but you’ll need this foundation.
  • Experience with CAN bus diagnostic tools and software for troubleshooting.

Soft Skills:

  • Strong analytical skills for complex problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication to convey technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup.
  • Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a fully remote team across US time zones.

Citizenship:

  • US citizenship is strongly preferred due to government and military contracts.

Location:

  • Fully remote, with the ability to work across US time zones.

Nice to Haves:

  • Hands-on experience with ESP32 microcontrollers in automotive systems.
  • Deep knowledge of inertial navigation, dead reckoning, and map-matching algorithms.
  • Experience with civilian and military vehicle integration requirements.
  • Familiarity with Android development and Bluetooth app integration.
  • Prior experience establishing US-based manufacturing for automotive hardware or other electronics.

Work Environment and Benefits:

Tern offers a fully remote, collaborative environment across US time zones, fostering innovation in a high-growth startup of ~20 team members. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible hours, health care and professional development opportunities. You’ll work on cutting-edge GPS-free navigation technology for impactful clients, thriving in a dynamic, inclusive culture.

Application Process

Submit your resume (you don’t need a cover letter) showing your experience and passion for joining Tern’s mission to revolutionize navigation to jobs@tern.ai. We’re excited to welcome an entrepreneurial Vehicle Integration Engineer to our team!

About TERN

We are a rapidly growing startup of more than two dozen employees, specializing in innovative, offline GPS-free positioning systems. Founded by a team of former special operators partnered with AI experts, our technology leverages existing vehicle sensor data, maps and a proprietary AI engine to deliver precise location solutions without relying on GPS or cellular networks. TERN’s IDPS™(Independently Derived Positioning System) serves a diverse clientele, including the US government, military, automotive manufacturers, environmental companies, delivery services, logistics providers, and emergency services. Our fully remote, collaborative work environment spans all US time zones, fostering a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture.

Why Join TERN?

Be part of a fast-growing startup revolutionizing a foundational technology that most of the world relies upon. Everyone on the team – developers, designers, sales people and marketers – believes in the critical mission because they’ve lived the pain GPS failures create and they’re able to experience IDPS™ in action.

Work in a collaborative, fully remote environment with a team of innovative and driven professionals. From day one, the founders intentionally built an environment where rapid iteration, bold ideas, and clarity of mission are the norm.

Get an opportunity to grow with the company in early stages and take on leadership roles as we scale.

Make a direct impact on critical applications for government, military, and commercial clients. IDPS™ isn’t theoretical tech; it’s been tested in the field, driven thousands of miles with zero signal, and validated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Learn more about TERN.