Staff Hardware Engineer (m/f/d) - Fernride GmbH

Fernride is building the future of autonomous logistics by combining advanced automation technology with human‑guided teleoperations. We enable logistics companies to transition toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable driverless operations. With strong expertise in robotics, AI, and automotive engineering, Fernride delivers scalable solutions that bring real‑world autonomy to industrial environments.

FERNRIDE builds autonomous vehicle systems for mission-critical logistics. We’re looking for a Staff Hardware Engineer to own compute and sensor set hardware design from concept through prototype integration and product validation—bridging R&D prototypes into robust, production-grade vehicle platforms.

What is your Day to Day Mission:

• Compute & sensor set design: work closely with stakeholders on definition of system architecture, components selection, and integration of compute, sensors (incl. cleaning), networking, and communication components into vehicle platforms.

• Prototype integration: plan and execute bring-up, commissioning, mechanical and electrical integration, and troubleshooting of new hardware in vehicle prototypes.

• Design verification & validation: lead HW validation plans, execute test campaigns, and drive design improvements through data and root-cause analysis.

• Harnessing: design and evolve harnesses from prototype builds to production-grade solutions for autonomous defence logistics vehicles (routing, shielding, connectors, strain relief, serviceability, manufacturing readiness).

• Breadboard & HIL: design, build, and commission breadboards and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test setups for rapid iteration and regression testing.

• Vehicle networks: design and validate architectures using CAN and Automotive Ethernet (100/1000BASE-T1); manage vehicle internal network configuration and interfaces.

• Connectivity systems: specify, integrate, and test external network configurations including GNSS, 4G/5G, Starlink, and tactical data links.

• Integration & testing: execute system-level integration, define acceptance criteria, and support field testing with fast feedback loops into engineering.

• Hands-on workshop support: actively support build-ups, harness builds, rework, and vehicle integration in the workshop—especially during intense prototype phases.

• Cross-functional leadership: work closely with autonomy, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and operations teams; provide technical direction and drive decisions.

What you bring to the team:

• Hardware engineering background with 5+ years experience in robotics; ideally autonomous driving or safety-/mission-critical vehicle systems.

• Strong experience in compute and sensor system integration (selection, bring-up, validation).

• Proven track record designing and delivering vehicle wiring harnesses from prototype to production-grade solutions.

• Experience with rapid prototyping tools (manual tools and 3D printing) and Solidworks

• Experience with CAN, diagnostics basics, and Automotive Ethernet (T1) networks; comfortable designing and debugging vehicle network configurations.

• Practical experience with HIL/breadboard setups, test instrumentation, and commissioning.

• Experience integrating and validating GNSS and cellular connectivity; familiarity with satellite connectivity (e.g., Starlink) and/or tactical communications is a plus.

• Strong integration and test mindset: systematic debugging, clean documentation, and validation-driven engineering.

• Hands-on mentality and willingness to jump into builds, bring-up, and workshop work when needed.

• Basic software/tooling skills: Python scripting and Vector tooling (e.g., CANoe/CANalyzer or similar).

Your Benefits: 

• Direct impact: See your contributions rapidly integrated from cutting-edge research into industrialized products, flying in the field within short development cycles. 

• Culture & Environment: A dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative startup environment with flat hierarchies, efficient collaboration, and a strong emphasis on continuous learning opportunities. 

• Work-life Balance: We offer flexible work schedules, and 30 days of paid vacation each year to support your personal and professional life. 

• Lunch Benefit: We promote healthy eating and the well-being of our employees with a monthly lunch budget. 

• Health & Wellness: We support your physical well-being with a company-subsidized eGym Wellpass membership, giving you access to thousands of gyms and sports facilities.