Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Ann Arbor, MI

Your engineering ingenuity, wonder & magic in integrating diagnostic systems across complex software and hardware architectures will be instrumental in shaping the perception of Scout as a brand, as well as gaining peer admiration in the automotive industry.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Lead the integration of OBD functions across the software-defined vehicle architecture, ensuring consistent behavior across ECUs, domains, and central compute elements
• Coordinate the implementation of OBD requirements across powertrain, energy, thermal, chassis, and body domains, ensuring alignment of diagnostic concepts and system behavior
• Ensure correct interaction between OBD monitors, diagnostic events, vehicle states, and system-level conditions, including startup, driving, charging, and degraded modes
• Integrate and validate DTC behavior, fault propagation, readiness states, and diagnostic consistency across distributed systems
• Collaborate closely with OBD system engineers, requirements engineers, software teams, controls engineers, and validation teams to ensure correct end-to-end implementation
• Analyze system-level diagnostic issues using vehicle data, HIL/MIL results, and network traces, and drive root-cause identification and resolution
• Support development and validation teams in defining integration test scenarios, including edge cases, fault injection, and cross-domain interactions
• Ensure traceability from OBD requirements to system integration and validation results, supporting release readiness and quality gates
• Identify integration gaps, inconsistencies, or architectural limitations and propose robust and scalable solutions
• Support vehicle integration phases, including prototype builds, test campaigns, and software release validation
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of integration processes, diagnostic workflows, and cross-domain collaboration models
• Partner with architecture teams to ensure OBD integration supports future SDV capabilities such as OTA updates, central diagnostics, and scalable platform evolution
• Be involved in other related tasks / activities as required

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Relevant degree such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Technology, IT Systems, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or Engineering Technology from an accredited college or university, preferably in electrical engineering, automotive engineering, or systems engineering
• 5+ years of experience in automotive E/E integration, diagnostics, powertrain, or software validation, with strong exposure to OBD system integration across multiple ECUs/domains
• Proven experience integrating OBDII diagnostic functions into vehicle architectures, including monitor execution, DTC handling, readiness behavior, and cross-ECU communication
• Strong understanding of software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures, including centralized compute, zonal controllers, and service-oriented communication
• Experience working with distributed systems and cross-domain dependencies, including powertrain, thermal management, energy management, and vehicle state control
• Solid knowledge of UDS diagnostics, CAN/Ethernet communication, diagnostic event handling, and fault propagation across systems
• Hands-on experience with tools such as CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape, ETAS INCA, MATLAB/Simulink, and trace/log analysis tools
• Experience working with requirements and change management tools such as Jama, DOORS, or Polarion
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex system interactions and identify root causes in integrated environments
• Ability to read and understand system architectures, software interface specifications, network definitions, and functional descriptions
• Strong interpersonal skills including ownership, structured communication, teamwork, and the ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams
• Motivated engineer wanting to work at the cutting edge of SDV and diagnostic integration for next-generation electric vehicles

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave