Application Guide

How to Apply for Engineer Principal – Software Autonomy & Active Safety

at Oshkosh Corporation

🏢 About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a global industrial technology leader that designs and manufactures specialty vehicles and equipment for defense, fire, emergency, and commercial markets. Their focus on enhancing safety and resilience in communities, combined with cutting-edge autonomy and active safety systems, offers engineers the chance to work on life-saving technologies in a mission-driven environment.

About This Role

As an Engineer Principal – Software Autonomy & Active Safety, you will lead the development of embedded software for driver assistance and unmanned ground vehicles, shaping the future of autonomous mobility in industrial and defense applications. Your work will directly impact vehicle safety and operational efficiency, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and drive innovation from concept to deployment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up meeting with your software team to review progress on autonomy algorithms, followed by a design review for a new sensor processing module. After lunch, you could be debugging a real-time control issue in Simulink, then mentoring a junior engineer on Qt GUI architecture. The day may end with a call with an external partner to align on integration milestones.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oshkosh Corporation Is Looking For

  • Experienced in embedded C/C++ and Simulink, with a track record of developing real-time control algorithms for vehicle systems.
  • Proficient in software testing methodologies specific to vehicle applications, including HIL/SIL and field testing.
  • Skilled in GUI development using Qt, with an eye for creating intuitive interfaces for complex autonomous systems.
  • A collaborative leader who can manage project schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams while mentoring junior engineers.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oshkosh Corporation

1

Highlight specific projects where you led embedded software development for autonomous or ADAS features in vehicles.

2

Quantify your experience with C/C++, Simulink, and Qt by mentioning the number of years and complexity of systems.

3

Showcase your understanding of safety-critical software standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and how you've applied them.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership in cross-functional teams and budget/schedule management.

5

Mention any experience with unmanned ground vehicles or defense-related autonomy to align with Oshkosh's market.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for advancing vehicle autonomy to enhance safety and resilience in communities.', 'Specific examples of leading embedded software projects from architecture to testing.', 'Your ability to mentor junior engineers and collaborate with external partners.', "How your technical background in C/C++, Simulink, and Qt directly fits the role's requirements."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Oshkosh's recent autonomy initiatives, such as their NXT 360 electric refuse vehicle or JLTV autonomous kits.
  • → Read about their partnership with Pratt Miller and other defense contractors for unmanned systems.
  • → Understand their commitment to safety and resilience, and how software autonomy plays a role in their products.
  • → Review any press releases or technical papers on their active safety systems for fire and emergency vehicles.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led the development of a real-time control algorithm; how did you ensure reliability?
2 How do you approach testing for safety-critical embedded software? Provide a specific example.
3 Explain your experience with Qt GUI development for complex systems; what challenges did you face?
4 How have you managed project schedules and budgets while delivering technically complex software?
5 Discuss your familiarity with unmanned ground vehicle systems or defense applications.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume without highlighting embedded software or vehicle-specific experience.
  • Failing to demonstrate leadership and project management skills, which are critical for a principal role.
  • Overlooking the importance of GUI development (Qt) – even if not your primary skill, show willingness to learn.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Oshkosh Corporation!

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