Principal Systems Engineer

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.

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

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.

Convert customer, business, and technical needs into clear, traceable system requirements.

Ensure every requirement is supported by a defined verification & validation (V&V) strategy.

Lead delivery of system and sub‑system designs with well‑defined interfaces.

Ensure designs meet cost, performance, quality, manufacturability, and serviceability expectations.

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.

Plan and lead prototype build and system integration events.

Validate Proofs‑of‑Concept (POCs) and requirements through structured V&V activities.

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.

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)

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.