Senior Level Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs
Senior level lead embedded software engineer jobs place engineers at the center of firmware architecture, real-time system design, and the technical direction of teams delivering production hardware. 21% of openings are remote or hybrid, with hiring concentrated in Technology & Software, Electronics & Hardware, and Manufacturing and employers like Rivian, Motional Ad, and Canonical USA hiring at this level now.
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Build your brand. Tell your story. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to start from the ground up and build something great. We are looking for technology game changers to lead Stellantis into a fundamental transformation within the automotive industry. Technology is going to disrupt the automotive industry significantly in the next decade, and our organization is seeking high-potential candidates to transform the company with a focus on the customer experience. Stellantis's Software Organization (PDT) was created to build the most captivating experiences in the latest frontier of Automotive Technology.
As a hardware engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing software solutions for microcontroller units (MCUs) used in automotive applications. You will work closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and other software developers to implement firmware and software components that meet the functional, performance, and safety requirements of automotive electronic control units (ECUs).
The main job responsibilities will be:
- Software Design and Development: Design, implement, and maintain software modules and drivers for automotive MCUs & SOC, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
- Embedded Firmware Development: Develop embedded firmware for automotive ECUs, including startup code, peripheral drivers, and low-level hardware abstraction layers (HALs).
- Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) Integration: Integrate real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr into the MCU & SOC software architecture to support multi-tasking and real-time scheduling requirements.
- Linux/QNX BSP and Android Guest OS Enablement: Port and customize BSP and Android GVM for automotive platforms.
- Enable display, audio, camera, and serial interfaces in the SOC. Perform system performance profiling and optimization.
- Communication Protocol Implementation: Implement communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and networking stacks to facilitate communication between automotive ECUs and external devices.
- Integration and Testing: Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate software components with hardware platforms, and conduct unit testing, integration testing, and validation to ensure software reliability and functionality.
- Documentation and Compliance: Create and maintain software design documents, interface specifications, and test plans. Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations, such as MISRA C and ISO 26262
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in MCU & SOC design for automotive applications, with a proven track record of successful projects and product launches.
- Proven experience in embedded software development, with a focus on automotive ECUs.
- Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in embedded systems development, such as C and C++.
- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols and standards, including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software development tools (e.g., compilers, debuggers, IDEs) for embedded systems.
- Knowledge of automotive software development processes and standards, such as ISO 26262, and ASPICE.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with the ability to analyze complex system requirements and implement robust software solutions.
- Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic work environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with automotive functional safety concepts and methodologies, including software FMEA and safety analysis techniques.
- Familiarity with embedded security principles and protocols, such as secure boot, cryptographic algorithms, and secure communication protocols.
- Knowledge of automotive networking protocols and standards, including TCP/IP, UDP, and Automotive Ethernet
- Experience with automotive development tools and platforms, such as Vector CANoe, or similar.
- Understanding of software-defined automotive architectures and emerging technologies, such as connected vehicles, autonomous driving, and electrification.
Critical Character Traits to Ensure Success:
- Be curious to ask the right questions
- Ability to expand depth and breadth expansion
- Ability to expands to domain(s)
- Ability to own feature design & implementation
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently, given minimal supervision/direction
- Ability to communicate effectively in complex scenarios
- Ability to develop as a mentor
- Ability to work in a team environment and be both a team player and task leader
- Respect and understanding of the Customer/Supplier relationship while embracing partnership
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Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software20
- Electronics & Hardware8
- Manufacturing4
- Automotive3
- Telecommunications3
Senior Level Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level lead embedded software engineer job?
Employers at this level expect candidates who have owned firmware architecture decisions, not just implemented them. Demonstrating a history of shipping reliable embedded systems, mentoring junior engineers, and driving cross-functional alignment with hardware and systems teams will set you apart. A portfolio of real-time OS work, driver development, or safety-critical systems experience strengthens your case considerably.
Which companies hire senior level lead embedded software engineers?
Companies hiring senior level lead embedded software engineers right now include Rivian, Motional Ad, and Canonical USA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to be driven by defense and aerospace contractors, automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, and consumer electronics manufacturers with complex embedded product lines.
Are there remote senior level lead embedded software engineer jobs?
Yes, though hardware-adjacent responsibilities mean fully remote roles are less common than in pure software disciplines. About 21% of senior level lead embedded software engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at companies that require periodic lab access or hardware bring-up collaboration.
What makes a lead embedded software engineer role senior level?
Senior level roles carry ownership beyond the codebase. Expectations shift toward setting firmware architecture standards, making build-versus-buy decisions, and leading teams through bring-up cycles on new hardware platforms. Mentoring mid-level and junior engineers is a core responsibility, as is representing the embedded software function in program reviews and cross-functional technical discussions.
Which industries hire the most senior level lead embedded software engineers?
Senior Level lead embedded software engineer roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Electronics & Hardware, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they produce highly constrained, safety-critical, or high-volume embedded products where experienced technical leadership directly affects certification timelines, system reliability, and time to market.