Senior Systems Engineer – Autonomy & Sensing

Job overview

The Senior Systems Engineer – Autonomy & Sensing role is an onsite position in Kent, WA. Compensation is not specified. PowerLight Technologies develops long-distance laser power-beaming solutions to deliver energy to distributed digital infrastructure and other hard-to-reach locations. The engineer leads and contributes to the design and development of next-generation laser systems, including sensors and tracking systems, requirements analysis, algorithms, and system testing. The role works across mechanical, software, and optical engineering and physics teams to develop, validate, and document field-ready systems.

What you'll do

• Lead and contribute to complex laser and photovoltaic system design from concept to production
• evaluate and select sensors and design multisensor and high-precision tracking systems
• perform system analysis and support technical design reviews
• develop algorithms for laser control, signal processing, real-time safety, and data analysis
• design and execute tests
• maintain technical documentation and contribute to patent applications as needed
• collaborate with cross-functional teams and monitor emerging technologies.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior systems engineer

autonomy

sensing

systems design

laser systems

sensor evaluation

tracking systems

real-time embedded software

kent wa

powerlight technologies

c/c++

python

matlab

bachelor's degree required

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• 401(k) and HSA options
• medical, dental, and vision benefits
• additional voluntary benefits
• flexible paid time off and paid holidays
• TeleDoc and employee assistance programs
• in-office gym and locker rooms
• snacks and beverages
• community giving programs and events.

Why this role

Requires 10+ years of leadership experience and 5+ years designing real-time embedded software applications; a bachelor’s degree in electrical or systems engineering or a related field is required. AI experience is a plus. Benefits include 401(k) and HSA options, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible paid time off, and paid holidays.

About the employer

PowerLight Technologies is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.