Pilot Systems International

Smart engineering solutions for automotive controls, system validation, and regulatory compliance

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About the firm

Pilot Systems International is an automotive engineering consulting practice based in Farmington Hills, Michigan. With decades of experience, it specializes in systems engineering, controls development, software and system validation, regulatory compliance management, and program management for automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense agencies.

Firm type
Mechanical Engineering · Automation & Controls · Software Engineering

Capabilities

Systems & Controls Engineering

Service website

Defining, designing, developing, and testing control systems and vehicle-level systems.

  • Control Systems Development

    Development of control systems for engines, transmissions, EV, HEV, CNG, hydrogen, battery management systems, and drone applications.

  • Model-Based Design & Tools

    Leveraging MATLAB, Simulink, and dSPACE tool chains for rapid prototyping and simulation.

  • ADAS & Autonomous Driving Systems

    Systems engineering for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and autonomous vehicle concepts.

Electrical & Mechanical Fabrication

Service website

Full electrical and mechanical build capabilities, from prototypes to low-volume production.

  • Prototype & Vehicle Builds

    HIL test benches, prototype and low-volume harness assemblies, and technology demonstration vehicles.

  • Design & Fabrication Services

    CAD, CAE, build-to-print, mechanical/electrical fabrication, 3D printing, and commissioning.

Consulting & Professional Services

Service website

Subject matter expertise and surgical technical problem-solving on a project or direct-hire basis.

  • Strategic Business & Technology Planning

    Strategic planning, technology portfolio management, and powertrain roadmap development.

  • Safety & Forensic Engineering

    Crashworthiness, crash avoidance, failure analysis, root cause analysis, and expert witness services.

  • Cybersecurity Architecture

    Specialized automotive cybersecurity architecture design for ADAS and AD systems.

Regulatory Compliance Management

Managing complex emissions and safety compliance requirements using the proprietary CertTrac process.

  • Emissions Compliance

    Assisting with EPA, CARB, ZEP, and HVIP regulatory approvals and certifications.

  • Safety Compliance

    Navigating NHTSA, FMVSS, and related safety regulations.

Testing & Validation

Comprehensive hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, durability, and environmental evaluations.

  • Software & System Validation

    Validation of embedded software and complex systems using HIL testing.

  • Durability & Environmental Testing

    Testing components and systems for environmental robustness and regulatory requirements.

Industries

Automotive · Defense

Projects

Electro-Magnetically Controlled Pitch Fan

Defense · Client: US Army

Project details

Development and advancement of Electro-Magnetically Controlled Pitch (EMCP) technology funded by the US Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Prototype Hybrid Electric HMMWV

Defense · Client: Michigan Technological University / US Army

Project details

Collaboration with Michigan Technological University to design and develop model-based systems engineering and controls software for a prototype hybrid electric HMMWV.

Class 3 Delivery Truck Certification

Automotive

Project details

Regulatory compliance and certification of a 'last mile' battery electric Class 3 delivery truck to meet EPA (CoC) and ARB (EO) standards alongside FMVSS.

Autonomous Vehicles Understanding Support

Automotive · Client: U.S. Department of Transportation

Project details

Assisting the Department of Transportation in enhancing its understanding of autonomous vehicles, resulting in the development of the Vehicle Operating Information System (VOIS) framework.