ADAS Hardware Engineer - Prototype Vehicle Build in San Jose, California at BERTRANDT US INC

Ready to Drive the Future?

As part of the global Bertrandt Group, our team of innovators tackles cutting-edge projects across ADAS, Autonomous Driving, Electric Mobility, and Manufacturing Support, transforming complex issues into sustainable, connected solutions.

General Benefits:

· Complete and comprehensive benefits package including Med/Dent/Vision

· Employer paid STD/LTD/Life

· 401k Retirement program

· Generous paid vacation/sick/holidays

· Creativity encouraged in a fun, friendly work environment

Role Overview

Bertrandt is seeking an experienced ADAS Hardware Engineer to support prototype vehicle build-up activities within a workshop/prototype garage environment, with a strong focus on hardware integration, change management, and cross-functional coordination.

This role acts as a technical bridge between customers, workshop operations (foremen and technicians), and engineering teams in Germany, ensuring that hardware-related changes, updates, and improvements are properly defined, designed, and implemented.

The position combines hands-on build-up experience with engineering-level responsibility for hardware design coordination, making it critical for successful execution of prototype and pre-series vehicle projects.

Scope of the Role

• Engineering-focused role with strong connection to hands-on workshop execution
• No direct personnel management responsibility, but technical leadership and coordination role
• Acts as central interface between workshop operations, customers, and engineering teams
• Focus on hardware design coordination, implementation, and integration quality
• Workshop-based role with minimal international travel

Key Responsibilities:

Hardware Engineering & Change Coordination

• Analyze, define, and implement hardware-related change requests from customers
• Evaluate feasibility, impact, and risks of design changes on vehicle systems
• Coordinate hardware modifications including: Wiring harnesses and cable routing, Mechanical components and brackets, ECUs, sensors, and mounting concepts
• Act as the main interface to German engineering teams for CAD design and updates, as well as electrical schematics
• Ensure alignment between customer requirements, parts quality, and engineering implementation internally and with suppliers

Prototype Build-Up & Integration Support

• Support and guide vehicle build-up, retrofits, and hardware updates in the workshop
• Work closely with foremen and technicians to ensure correct implementation of designs
• Validate hardware installations against design intent and functional requirements
• Ensure robust and serviceable integration of ADAS components into prototype vehicles
• Provide hands-on support during critical build phases when required

CAD Design & Coordination

• Coordinate creation and modification of CAD models and drawings with Germany-based teams
• Review and validate: 3D models and installation concepts, Technical drawings and schematics
• Ensure proper documentation of: Build configurations, design changes and design revisions
• Support release and versioning processes for hardware updates

Electrical & Mechanical Integration

• Oversee and support development of wiring harnesses and cable manufacturing solutions with Germany-based teams
• Interpret and validate electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Ensure proper integration of: Power supply concepts, Signal routing and network interfaces (CAN, Ethernet)
• Support mechanical integration including packaging, mounting, and durability considerations

Workshop & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:

- Workshop Foreman (task coordination & execution alignment)

- ADAS Technicians (implementation & troubleshooting support)

- Customers (requirements, updates, and feedback)

- Engineering teams (Germany) (design and development support)

• Provide technical guidance to technicians during installation and modifications
• Support issue resolution related to hardware design and integration

Documentation & Process Compliance

• Maintain structured documentation of:

- Hardware changes and engineering decisions

- Build configurations and updates

- Technical concepts and releases

• Utilize issue tracking tools (e.g., JIRA) for change tracking and task management
• Ensure adherence to defined change management and release processes
• Support continuous improvement of hardware integration processes

• Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in prototype vehicle build, hardware engineering, or vehicle integration
• Strong hands-on experience with prototype or pre-series vehicles
• Familiarity with Mercedes Benz makes & models
• Solid knowledge of:

- Automotive electrical systems and wiring harness

- Mechanical design and vehicle integration principles

• Experience reading and interpreting:

- Electrical schematics

- CAD drawings and 3D models

• Experience coordinating with cross-functional and international engineering teams
• Strong problem-solving and structured working approach
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to travel internationally on occasion (i.e. for business travel to Germany)
• Valid California Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in ADAS development or integration environments
• Background in cable manufacturing, harness design, and routing concepts
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, or similar)
• Familiarity with vehicle networks (CAN, Ethernet) and system interactions
• Experience in OEM or Tier 1 automotive environments
• Understanding of change management and release processes
• Experience using issue tracking tools (e.g., JIRA)
• German language skills OR bilingual English/German

EEO-Statement:

Bertrandt US is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. We consider all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.