Engineering Manager, Hardware-in-the-Loop
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.
Solution Engineering Manager
Leads a team of solutions engineers in pre-sales for strategic automotive customers, owning technical discussions, customer onsites, and deal closure. Requires 8-13 years experience, CS/engineering degree, and proven technical sales track record.
160k – 220kSunnyvale, CAMountain View, CASan Diego, CA+3 moreEngineering ManagementOnsite8+ YOE
About the role
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first technical point of contact for prospective customers, leading early-stage architectural discussions and business model reviews that establish credibility and momentum
- Plan, host, and drive customer onsites by owning the agenda, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring every session moves the deal forward
- Lead and mentor a team of solutions engineers focused on pre-sales and customer engagement for major automotive collaborations
- Drive the full pre-sales motion from a technical standpoint, from initial discovery through solution validation and deal closure
- Identify and articulate the customer's core problem statement by cutting through surface-level asks to understand underlying needs and strategic priorities
- Partner closely with leadership, engineering, and business development teams to drive key technical outcomes and translate those into winning proposals
- Develop strategy and requirements for solution-focused customer engagements, moving beyond standard account management
- Translate complex customer needs in the automotive and mobility space into effective technical solutions using Applied's product suite
Requirements
- 8 to 13 years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
- Expertise in pre-sales and have successfully closed deals
- Proven track record in a "build to sell" trajectory, having transitioned from a development/design engineer background to the technical sales side
- Experience with automotive software development workflows and customer team dynamics
- Ability to drive new business-focused technical engagements rather than renewal-focused account management
Nice to Have
- Experience working at major automotive suppliers or automotive software-first companies
- Startup experience
- Familiarity with the selling motion for dual-use applications or adjacent high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense
Compensation
Base salary range: $160,000 - $220,000 annually, plus equity and benefits.
Skills
Pre-SalesSolutions EngineeringAutomotive SoftwareTechnical SalesArchitectural DiscussionsCustomer OnsitesDeal ClosureSoftware Development WorkflowsCross-Functional CollaborationStartup Experience
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