Sr. Electrical Hardware Systems Engineer - Telematics & Connected Systems

Join our Team as a SENIOR ELECTRICAL HARDWARE SYSTEMS ENGINEER – TELEMATICS & CONNECTED SYSTEMS!

The Role:

We are seeking a highly capable and systems-oriented Senior Electrical Hardware Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and validation of advanced telematics and electrical systems within industrial vehicle platforms.  In this role, you will not only design electrical hardware but also define how multiple hardware subsystems interact with embedded firmware and cloud systems to deliver intelligent, connected features. 

This is a critical technical leadership position for engineers who excel at system-level thinking, cross-domain integration, and delivering reliable, scalable solutions in rugged, real-world environments.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and architect the end-to-end electrical and telematics system, including DHU (Data Handling Unit), sensors, HMI (display and badge reader), connectivity modules, and vehicle interfaces.
• Decompose product and feature requirements into clear electrical system and interface specifications.
• Own hardware–firmware partitioning decisions, including signal acquisition, filtering, event detection, and real-time performance requirements.
• Define and manage system interfaces, including CAN networks, digital/analog I/O, and communication protocols.
• Lead system integration activities across hardware, firmware, and cloud domains, ensuring reliable data flow from vehicle to edge to cloud.
• Collaborate closely with embedded firmware teams to define data structures, timing constraints, and interface behavior, and support board bring-up and debugging.
• Drive development and validation of key telematics features, including:
  • Impact detection systems
  • Access control systems
  • Operator workflows
  • Fleet data and diagnostics
• Define system-level timing, performance, and reliability requirements, ensuring robust operation under real-world conditions.
• Develop and maintain system documentation including architecture diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), signal definitions, and verification plans.
• Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting for complex system-level issues observed in lab and field environments.
• Support validation efforts including EMC, environmental, and regulatory testing in collaboration with internal and external labs.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party components, ensuring alignment with system requirements.
• Assess and enable future capabilities such as vision-based accident avoidance, including hardware readiness, data pipelines, and system integration strategies.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical systems engineering, hardware integration, or embedded hardware development.
• Strong experience defining system architectures and interfaces across multiple hardware subsystems.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate hardware with embedded firmware and understand real-time system behavior.
• Experience with communication systems such as CAN, and ability to define signal structures and network behavior.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills at the system level.
• Experience working across full product lifecycle, from concept through validation and field support.
• Familiarity with ruggedized system design, including environmental and reliability considerations.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across hardware, firmware, cloud, and supplier teams.
• Ability to clearly document system architecture, interfaces, and design decisions.
• Availability for hands-on, onsite work supporting integration, testing, and validation.

What Sets You Apart:

• 15+ years of experience in hardware systems engineering and integration.
• Experience with telematics systems, IoT devices, or connected industrial equipment.
• Background in vehicle electrical systems, CAN-based architectures, or off-highway equipment.
• Experience with embedded systems concepts, including firmware interaction and real-time constraints.
• Familiarity with wireless communication technologies (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS).
• Experience designing or supporting safety-related features (impact detection, operator safety systems).
• Exposure to data-driven systems and using field data for diagnostics and design improvement.
• Experience evaluating or integrating advanced sensing technologies (e.g., cameras, vision systems).

Where and When You’ll Work:

• This is an in-person role located at our Columbus, IN office—ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment.

What Your Total Compensation & Benefits Package will look like:

Salary - $133,600 - $171,200 per year. Compensation depends on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Relocation: This role may be eligible for relocation assistance.

World Class Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Performance Bonus
• Generous Paid Time Off and 13 Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical plans and no-cost Dental & Vision options
• 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
• Company-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to mental health care, legal support, and financial guidance
• Recognition and Kaizen (continuous improvement) Reward Programs
• Meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
• Onsite Fitness Center & Occupational Health Clinic
• Best in class work culture!

Big Name | Big Opportunities | Life is Better at Toyota

Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, comprises two main brands: Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation. We believe investing in the best people, products, and processes will fuel our future success, and we will always be driven by our foundational principles of “respect for people” and “continuous improvement”. With opportunities across North America, we are confident you will find the right position within TMHNA that can help you build a long, fulfilling career.

Learn more here: https://www.toyotaforklift.com/careers

Follow us on Social Media: Working at Toyota Material Handling | Glassdoor