Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio

The Principal Systems Engineer will lead the end-to-end systems engineering execution for large, complex new product introduction (NPI) programs focused on pressure sensing technologies. This role is responsible for defining system architecture, driving cross-functional execution, and ensuring products meet performance, cost, reliability, and schedule targets from concept through production launch.

This position serves as the technical authority and program systems leader, working across engineering disciplines and business functions to deliver high-impact sensing solutions for industrial, aerospace, or automotive applications.

You will report directly to our Director of Engineering and you'll work out of our Columbus, OH location.

In this role, you will impact the way businesses operate by leading cross-functional teams on cutting-edge projects that transform industry solutions. Your technical expertise in systems engineering, project management, and technical leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of technology and industry solutions.

YOU MUST HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, product development, or sensor technologies
• Proven experience leading complex NPI programs

WE VALUE

• Master's or PhD in Engineering
• Experience with pressure sensing technologies (MEMS, piezoresistive, capacitive)
• Background in multi-disciplinary system design (hardware, firmware, mechanical integration)
• Experience in regulated environments (aerospace, automotive, industrial safety)
• Strong understanding of:
  • Sensor physics and signal conditioning
  • Calibration and compensation algorithms
  • Embedded systems and data acquisition
• Expertise in system modeling, simulation, and trade studies
• Ability to lead without direct authority across global, cross-functional teams
• Strong decision-making capability in ambiguous and high-pressure environments
• Deep knowledge of:
  • Systems engineering processes (V-model, requirements flow-down)
  • NPI and stage-gate processes
  • Risk management methodologies (FMEA, DFMEA, PFMEA)
• Excellent ability to communicate complex technical topics to:
  • Executive leadership
  • Customers
  • Engineering teams

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR HONEYWELL

In addition to a competitive salary, leading-edge work, and developing solutions side-by-side with dedicated experts in their fields, Honeywell employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays. Learn more (https://benefits.honeywell.com/)

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

ABOUT HONEYWELL TECHNOLOGIES

Honeywell Technologies is a global, pure-play automation company with a legacy of innovating to help solve the world's most mission-critical challenges, enhancing the quality of life for people and communities around the world. We serve the building, industrial, and process sectors with a broad portfolio of services, solutions, and products, underpinned by our Honeywell Technologies Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Technologies Forge intelligence layer. By combining the deep domain expertise of our more than 50,000 employees with decades of data from our global installed base, we are uniquely positioned to lead the industrial sector's transition from automation to autonomy. Learn more (https://www.honeywell.com/us/en)

THE BUSINESS UNIT

Honeywell Industrial Automation enables process industry operations, creates world-class sensor technologies, automates supply chains, makes warehouses smarter, and improves worker safety. This combination builds on our core strengths in controls and automation technologies which in turn allows us to deliver better commercial outcomes for our customers. We enable customers to enhance the safety, sustainability, resiliency and productivity of their people, plants and assets.

Honeywell is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. Learn more (https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/company/inclusion-and-engagement)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Leadership & Architecture

• Define and own end-to-end system architecture for pressure sensing products, including:
  • Sensor elements (MEMS/piezoresistive/capacitive)
  • ASIC/interface electronics
  • Firmware/software algorithms
  • Packaging and mechanical interface
• Translate customer and market requirements into system-level specifications
• Allocate requirements to subsystems and ensure traceability

New Product Introduction (NPI) Leadership

• Lead large-scale NPI programs from concept through qualification and production ramp
• Drive execution across key milestones:
  • Concept & feasibility
  • Design & development
  • Verification & validation
  • Production launch
• Manage system-level risk identification, mitigation, and trade-offs (cost, performance, schedule)
• Partner with program management to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery

Cross-Functional Integration

• Serve as the central technical interface across:
  • Electrical, Mechanical, MEMS, Firmware, and Test Engineering
  • Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality
  • Marketing and customers
• Ensure alignment between design, manufacturing, and test strategies

Requirements & Validation

• Own requirements management, including:
  • System requirement definition and decomposition
  • Interface control documents (ICDs)
  • Verification and validation planning
• Oversee system-level verification and validation (V&V) activities:
  • Performance characterization
  • Environmental qualification (temperature, vibration, pressure cycling)
  • Regulatory and customer compliance

Technical Decision Making

• Lead critical design reviews and technical decision forums
• Perform and guide trade studies (accuracy vs. cost, stability vs. manufacturability, etc.)
• Act as final authority on system-level design decisions and issue resolution

Production & Lifecycle Support

• Support transition from development to high-volume manufacturing
• Ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT) execution
• Drive yield improvement, cost reduction, and product enhancements post-launch