Principle Embedded Software Engineer

Job Summary

The Embedded Software Principal Engineer is responsible for the architecture, development, and validation of real-time embedded software for engine control systems, including ECUs/FADECs used in gas turbine engines. The role focuses on delivering reliable, safety-critical firmware compliant with aerospace and defence standards, with close integration to the electrical hardware, performance models, and safety systems. This is a senior technical position requiring deep embedded expertise and the ability to guide software design decisions across current and future engine platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Software Architecture & Development: Design and implement real-time embedded software for engine control units (ECUs), including bootloaders, task schedulers, and control logic layers. Develop structured code in C/C++ adhering to safety-critical standards such as DO-178C, MISRA, and ISO 26262 (where applicable). Interface with system-level models and control logic derived from MATLAB/Simulink and convert them into embedded code or integrate with auto-code generators.
• Integration & Testing: Integrate firmware with custom hardware (MCUs, FPGAs, power drivers, sensors, and actuators) in close coordination with hardware engineers. Develop and execute software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests using tools such as dSPACE, NI, or Vector. Lead root cause analysis and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and diagnostic tools. Ensure real-time performance and determinism under all operating conditions.
• Documentation & Compliance: Generate software requirements, design descriptions, traceability matrices, test plans, and verification artifacts in line with DO-178C and ARP4754A standards. Support safety assessments and participate in system-level FMEA, hazard analyses, and software reviews. Contribute to configuration management and version control using Git, SVN, or equivalent tools.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Work closely with control engineers, hardware engineers, and system engineers to align software functionality with system-level goals. Mentor junior embedded engineers and contribute to internal software design standards and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8–12 years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in aerospace, defense, or automotive safety-critical systems.
• Proven experience with bare-metal and RTOS-based embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of microcontrollers, not limited to ARM Cortex-M, TI C2000, Infineon Aurix, or similar microcontrollers.
• Solid understanding of control systems, signal processing, and real-time constraints.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink code generation workflows (e.g., Embedded Coder).
• Experience with communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422, and ARINC 429.
• Exposure to model-based design (MBD) and code coverage/robustness testing tools.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.

Behavioral Attributes

• Detail-oriented and structured in approach.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging capabilities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced R&D environments.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.