Description

Principal Systems Engineer - MIL

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

Build the Intelligence Behind Autonomous Cleaning Robotics

 TNC Robotics is redefining what autonomous machines can do in real-world, commercial environments. We’re looking for a Principal Robotics Engineer – Machine Integration Lead to help translate bold product visions into fully integrated, production-ready robotic cleaning solutions.

In this highly visible technical leadership role, you’ll sit at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, software, and partner technologies—owning system-level integration from early architecture through validation, certification, and launch. If you thrive on complex systems, rigorous execution, and leading multidisciplinary teams through ambiguity, this role was designed for you.

As the Machine Integration Lead, you are ultimately accountable for how the machine comes together. Your success will be measured by:

Robust, scalable system architectures
Speed and quality of system integration
Risk reduction through disciplined engineering
Successful deployment of new and partner technologies (e.g., Brain Corp) into commercially viable products
You won’t just integrate subsystems—you’ll orchestrate the entire machine.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Lead System-Level Technical Execution

Own the overall system definition and integration strategy across New Product Development (NPD) programs
Drive execution against integrated development plans, milestones, and system-level integration events
Surface risks early, lead trade-off decisions, and initiate corrective actions to keep programs on track

Translate Vision into Engineering Reality

Convert customer, business, and technical needs into clear, traceable system requirements
Ensure every requirement is supported by a defined verification & validation (V&V) strategy

System Architecture & Integration Leadership

Lead delivery of system and sub-system designs with well-defined interfaces
Ensure designs meet cost, performance, quality, manufacturability, and serviceability expectations

Technical Rigor & Design Governance

Facilitate disciplined cross-functional design reviews that drive risk mitigation and decision clarity
Ensure readiness for prototype, pilot, and production builds—including manufacturing, sourcing, and quality plans

Prototype, Test, and De-Risk

Plan and lead prototype build and system integration events
Validate Proofs-of-Concept (POCs) and requirements through structured V&V activities

Partner Technology Integration

Own end-to-end integration of partner technologies by defining interfaces, integration plans, and verification strategies
Align internal teams and partners on expectations, timelines, and integration decisions

Risk, Safety & Compliance

Lead formal risk assessments using DFMEA, HARA, and structured problem-solving methods
Ensure compliance with applicable global standards and regulations, including:
IEC / UL 60335-1 & 60335-2-72
IEC 63327
EMC / ESD requirements
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (CE Marking)

Requirements

What You Bring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems, or Computer Engineering (ABET-accredited). Master’s degree strongly preferred

Experience

10+ years integrating complex, software-driven electro-mechanical systems
Proven leadership of cross-functional technical teams through full product development cycles
Strong experience with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and product certification to international safety standards
CE-marked machinery development experience preferred

Technical Excellence

Deep knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, including requirements decomposition and traceability
Hands-on experience with FMEA, HARA, DVP&R, and structured validation processes
Working knowledge of object-oriented programming (C++, C#, or Python) for control or integration support

Execution & Collaboration

Demonstrated success leading structured problem solving (8D, root cause analysis)
Exceptional ability to collaborate across Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams
Comfortable influencing without authority and leading through complex technical trade-offs