Embedded Software Engineer II

Johnson Controls; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer for its Westford, MA R&D facility to contribute to next-generation fire alarm systems. You will design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software, collaborating with hardware, systems, and quality teams across the product lifecycle.

The role emphasizes C/C++ development, embedded Linux/RTOS, and a disciplined software engineering approach within a regulated environment, with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 0–3 years of embedded software development experience.
• Experience programming in C and/or C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments.
• Understanding of embedded systems fundamentals.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded software applications and firmware.
• Implement software features using C/C++ and other applicable programming languages.
• Develop software for microcontrollers, processors, and real-time embedded systems.
• Participate in software architecture, design reviews, and code reviews.
• Create and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.
• Support debugging efforts using development tools.
• Investigate and resolve software defects and performance issues.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications and test procedures.
• Follow software development processes, coding standards, and quality requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to software quality, development efficiency, and product reliability.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded Linux

RTOS

Bare-metal development

Software debugging

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Git

Job description

Overview

Johnson Controls is searching for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer for the R&D facility in Westford, MA. The role is part of a global Fire Detection product group that develops next‑generation embedded applications for Fire Alarm Systems.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is ideal for early‑career engineers passionate about developing software for embedded systems and solving technical challenges at the intersection of hardware and software.

The successful candidate will contribute to design, development, testing, and maintenance of embedded software for products and platforms. Working closely with senior engineers, systems engineers, hardware designers, and quality teams, you will help deliver reliable, high‑quality solutions throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded software applications and firmware.
• Implement software features using C/C++ and other applicable programming languages.
• Develop software for microcontrollers, processors, and real‑time embedded systems.
• Participate in software architecture, design reviews, and code reviews.
• Create and execute unit, integration, and system‑level tests.
• Support debugging efforts using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and other development tools.
• Investigate and resolve software defects and performance issues.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including software design specifications and test procedures.
• Follow software development processes, coding standards, and quality requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to software quality, development efficiency, and product reliability.

Required Qualifications

• Embedded Software Engineer I
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 0–3 years of experience in embedded software development (including product development, internships, co‑ops, or academic projects).
• Experience programming in C and/or C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare‑metal development environments.
• Understanding of embedded systems fundamentals.
• Basic knowledge of software debugging and troubleshooting techniques.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ARM‑based microcontrollers or processors.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and USB.
• Knowledge of RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or Zephyr.
• Exposure to embedded Linux development.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python.
• Understanding of software testing, automated testing, and continuous integration practices.
• Familiarity with secure software development practices.
• Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, or industrial automation.

Benefits and Salary

Salary range: $94,000 to $141,000. Competitive benefits package includes 401(k), medical, dental, vision, paid vacation/holidays/sick time, on‑the‑job cross‑training opportunities, and a hybrid work model. Safety through our Zero Harm policy.