Senior Controls Software Developer

Socket.dev; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Power Systems is seeking a Senior Controls Software Engineer to join the Systems Engineering team in Canada. You will develop embedded software for fuel cell control, contribute to safety and cybersecurity requirements, and collaborate on architecture and verification across SDLC stages.

The role emphasizes modular software design, compliant with ISO 26262 and ISO/SAE 21434, plus hands-on HIL testing and CI/CD automation. Strong problem solving and documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in production-grade embedded software development.
• Proficiency in Structured Text for embedded microcontroller development, alongside strong experience in embedded C/C++ and/or Model-Based Design (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Working proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, or test automation.
• Experience using Git for version control and working within modern CI/CD development pipelines (e.g., GitLab or Azure DevOps).
• Familiarity with ALM platforms (e.g., Jama Connect, Siemens Polarion) for requirements tracking and test coverage.
• In-depth understanding of digital signal processing, state machines, and dynamic control algorithms.
• Solid understanding of MCUs, RTOS, task scheduling, and memory management.

Responsibilities

• Engage across the control system and software development lifecycle (SDLC), including design, implementation, and verification/validation.
• Develop controls and software requirements for fuel cell systems using formal requirements management tools and implement/verify software.
• Collaborate on DFMEA, HARA, and TARA activities with safety and systems teams.
• Support derivation of functional safety and cybersecurity requirements by reviewing safety concepts and analyses.
• Contribute to ISO 26262 and ISO/SAE 21434 / 24089 aligned software architectures.
• Work with system/software architects to build modular, scalable architectures meeting safety and cybersecurity goals.
• Execute test cases and document verification evidence for DVP&R.

Skills

Structured Text

C/C++

Model-Based Design

Python

Git

CI/CD

Jama Connect

Polarion

FS/IS standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related

Tools

Jama Connect

Siemens Polarion

GitLab

Azure DevOps

Job description

Product Engineering has an immediate opening for a Senior Controls Software Engineer to join the Systems Engineering team. Successful candidates will possess demonstrated capability and proven experience in advanced control systems development, embedded software architecture, and reliable, sustainable, and scalable controls software design and implementation. This role requires experience utilizing software implementation and testing toolchains, as well as authoring detailed requirements, design specifications, and test reports. Additionally, the ideal candidate has experience collaborating on system-level requirements and working knowledge of functional safety and cybersecurity standards and best practices to support ECU and software-level safety implementations. The successful candidate will collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams, work independently when required, and demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities:

• Engage across the control system and software development lifecycle (SDLC), including design, implementation, and verification/validation.
• Develop controls and software requirements for fuel cell systems using formal requirements management tools (e.g., Jama), contribute to software architecture, and implement/verify software using Structured Text, C/C++, or Model-Based Design (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Contribute as a controls/software subject matter expert in DFMEA, HARA, and TARA activities alongside functional safety and systems teams.
• Support the derivation of functional safety and cybersecurity requirements for fuel cell controls by reviewing high‑level safety concepts and participating in analyses such as FMEA, FTA, and FMEDA.
• Contribute to engineering work products aligned with ISO 26262 (functional safety) and ISO/SAE 21434 / ISO 24089 (cybersecurity / software updates).
• Collaborate with system and software architects to develop modular, scalable, and reusable software architectures that fulfill functional safety and cybersecurity goals.
• Support control system and software qualification (DVP&R) by executing test cases and documenting verification evidence.
• Design and implement algorithms for signal processing, closed‑loop control strategies, communication protocols, and fault diagnostics management.
• Verify and validate software using simulation models, Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) test benches, and lab/field test environments.
• Utilize software version control and participate in automated CI/CD testing and release pipelines.
• Follow and help improve embedded software development processes in alignment with industry standards (e.g., ISO 26262 Part 6).
• Troubleshoot complex integrated systems from both hardware and software perspectives.
• Prepare technical documentation (requirements, design specifications, test plans/matrices, and test reports) and participate in engineering change management.
• Drive technology innovation and continuous improvement across systems control engineering workflows.
• Work under the direction of the Controls Engineering Director within cross‑functional teams to implement systems engineering processes, including technical reviews.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in production‑grade embedded software development.
• Proficiency in Structured Text for embedded microcontroller development, alongside strong experience in embedded C/C++ and/or Model‑Based Design (MATLAB/Simulink).
• Working proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, or test automation.
• Experience using Git for version control and working within modern CI/CD development pipelines (e.g., GitLab or Azure DevOps).
• Familiarity with Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) platforms (e.g., Jama Connect, Siemens Polarion) for requirements tracking and test coverage.
• In‑depth understanding and practical experience in digital signal processing (filtering, sampling), state machines, and dynamic control algorithms.
• Proven experience in embedded software architecture, hardware abstraction layer (HAL)/driver integration, and application‑layer control design.
• Solid understanding of microcontroller architectures (MCUs), real‑time operating systems (RTOS), task scheduling, and memory management.
• Hands‑on experience commissioning, calibrating, and troubleshooting real‑time control systems.
• Commitment to high‑quality software engineering standards and coding style guidelines (e.g., MISRA).
• Working knowledge of functional safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity standards (ISO/SAE 21434), with experience contributing to safety‑critical software lifecycles.
• Familiarity with FMEA, HARA, or hazard analysis workflows in product development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proactive approach to documentation, technical reporting, and collaborative problem‑solving.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with secondary scripting and development languages: C#, JavaScript, HTML, and Linux Shell/Bash.
• Extensive experience with CAN bus networks and vehicle communication protocols (J1939, XCP/CCP, UDSonCAN, UDSonIP / DoIP).
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow sensors) or fuel cell systems.
• Familiarity with power electronics interfaces and high/low‑voltage components (LV/HV batteries, motor drives, inverters, DC/DC converters).
• Hands‑on experience creating or maintaining CI/CD pipelines and automated HIL test frameworks.
• Practical experience applying agentic AI tools to accelerate software design, implementation, and verification.
• Familiarity with SysML modeling tools and Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

The salary range for this position is between$93,840 – $117,300. Candidate's experience, education, and relevant skills will be taken into consideration when placing within the range.

Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

Listen & Deliver | Quality. Always. | Inspire Excellence | Row Together | Own It