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.

Build the Intelligence Behind Autonomous Cleaning Robotics

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

You won’t just integrate subsystems—you’ll orchestrate the entire machine.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Lead System-Level Technical Execution

• 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

Translate Vision into Engineering Reality

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


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

System Architecture & Integration Leadership

• Lead delivery of system and sub-system designs with well-defined interfaces


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

Technical Rigor & Design Governance

• 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

Prototype, Test, and De-Risk

• Plan and lead prototype build and system integration events


• Validate Proofs-of-Concept (POCs) and requirements through structured V&V activities

Partner Technology Integration

• 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

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• 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)

What You Bring

Education

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

Experience

• 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

Technical Excellence

• 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

Execution & Collaboration

• 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

Why Join TNC Robotics?

• Work on real-world autonomous systems deployed at scale


• Solve deeply challenging integration problems with high visibility and impact


• Partner with top-tier robotics and AI technology providers


• Influence product architecture, not just components


• Join a team that values technical rigor, curiosity, and ownership

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $113,600 - 175,700.

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Sales and Service Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits

Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, paid time off, and voluntary benefits!

Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.