# Engineering Manager, Hardware-in-the-Loop

**Company:** [Applied Intuition](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/applied-intuition)
**Location:** Ann Arbor, MI
**Role:** Engineering Management
**Salary:** $160k – $220k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Dspace, Speedgoat, Hil Lab Infrastructure, C, C++, Python, Simulink, Modelica, Systems Integration, Model-Based Design
**Posted:** 2026-06-12

> Lead and build a new Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing lab and team for defense autonomy programs. Own technical strategy, hiring, and cross-functional execution in an onsite Ann Arbor role.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Own the vision, planning, and execution of a new state-of-the-art Defense HIL lab in Ann Arbor, MI
- Build and lead a team of HIL engineers, defining roles, hiring talent, and developing individuals as the program scales
- Set technical strategy for HIL integration across defense programs, ensuring the lab supports representative test environments for aerial and maritime platforms
- Partner closely with defense program leads, systems engineers, and autonomy teams to align HIL priorities with program milestones
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, software, and field teams to deliver integrated, high-fidelity test solutions

## Requirements
- 7+ years of experience, with at least 2–3 years in an engineering leadership or team lead capacity
- Proven ability to hire, mentor, and grow technical teams in a fast-moving environment
- Deep familiarity with real-time hardware platforms (e.g., dSPACE, Speedgoat, or equivalent) and HIL lab infrastructure
- Ability to translate program requirements into a cohesive technical roadmap and lab development plan
- Strong communicator who can represent the HIL function to senior leadership and external defense customers
- Thrives in ambiguous, early-stage environments and has demonstrated ability to build structure from scratch

## Nice-to-Haves
- Hands-on experience with HIL integrations across aerial and/or maritime defense domains
- Familiarity with software development practices (C/C++/Python) and the ability to engage credibly with software-focused engineers
- Experience working within defense programs, including familiarity with relevant compliance and testing standards
- Background in systems integration or model-based design (e.g., Simulink/Modelica)

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