Principal Embedded Software Engineer, QNX (m/f/d) – Medical Devices

Alcon; Bayern; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon, Erlangen site, seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead embedded software development and drive system architecture. You’ll own requirements, architecture, and delivery while ensuring regulatory compliance and cross-functional alignment.

You will guide distributed software teams, design embedded architectures with QNX, and deliver robust C++ applications within Agile/Scrum practices, leveraging CI/CD and modern tooling.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software development experience and at least 2 years of technical leadership.
• Fluent English and intermediate German, and a degree in Computer Science or similar.
• Proven ability to lead distributed, multi-location software teams.
• Strong experience in architectural design of embedded systems, especially using QNX.
• Hands-on experience developing C++ applications on QNX.
• Solid background working in Agile/Scrum environments with tools like Azure DevOps (or similar), including feature-driven development and time-boxing.
• Proficiency with development tools and processes such as CMake, Conan, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and motivate teams.
• Ideally experience in regulated industries (medical, automotive, aerospace), familiarity with medical software, technologies like gRPC, hardware drivers/FPGA

Responsibilities

• Define and drive software architecture and requirements aligned with technical, regulatory, lifecycle, and organizational needs.
• Lead, guide, and coordinate internal and external development and test teams.
• Develop robust, high-quality software in line with harmonization and quality standards.
• Implement and continuously optimize AI-driven development workflows (e.g. agent environment, context engineering, MCP, HIL integration).
• Drive adoption of CI/CD for builds, testing, documentation, and reporting while maintaining software quality processes and standards.
• Oversee and evaluate the full development lifecycle (requirements → validation), ensure compliance with documentation and contractual requirements, and contribute to IP and patent activities.

Skills

Software leadership

Distributed teams leadership

Embedded systems design

C++ development

CI/CD pipelines

Agile/Scrum

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

CMake

Conan

Azure DevOps

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon.

WaveLight GmbH in Erlangen is a world leader in the development and production of innovative laser systems for use in eye surgery. WaveLight’s laser and diagnostic systems enable a very gentle and at the same time highly precise correction of ametropia. Since 2009, WaveLight has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcon, Inc. a leading global ophthalmic company.

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer (m/f/d) supporting the R&D Software Engineering Team, you will be trusted to lead embedded software development and drive system architecture at our Erlangen site. You will own requirements, architecture, and delivery while ensuring regulatory compliance and aligning with cross-functional domains.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Define and drive software architecture and requirements aligned with technical, regulatory, lifecycle, and organizational needs
• Lead, guide, and coordinate internal and external development and test teams
• Develop robust, high-quality software in line with harmonization and quality standards
• Implement and continuously optimize AI-driven development workflows (e.g. agent environment, context engineering, MCP, HIL integration)
• Drive adoption of CI/CD for builds, testing, documentation, and reporting while maintaining software quality processes and standards
• Oversee and evaluate the full development lifecycle (requirements → validation), ensure compliance with documentation and contractual requirements, and contribute to IP and patent activities

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO ALCON:

• 7+ years of software development experience and at least 2 years of technical leadership
• Fluent English and intermediate German, and a degree in Computer Science or similar
• Proven ability to lead distributed, multi-location software teams
• Strong experience in architectural design of embedded systems, especially using QNX
• Hands-on experience developing C++ applications on QNX
• Solid background working in Agile/Scrum environments with tools like Azure DevOps (or similar), including feature-driven development and time-boxing
• Proficiency with development tools and processes such as CMake, Conan, and CI/CD pipelines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and motivate teams
• Ideally experience in regulated industries (medical, automotive, aerospace), familiarity with medical software, technologies like gRPC, hardware drivers/FPGA

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:

• You will get a competitive salary & benefit package
• You will work in a welcoming and inclusive environment with highly qualified colleagues at a market-leading multinational Team
• You can contribute to the quality and compliance of innovative medical solutions

Alcon Careers

See your impact at alcon.com/careers