Embedded Software Engineer - Vehicle Software

Parallel Systems; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallel Systems is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to help develop the embedded systems that power our autonomous rail vehicles. In this role you will contribute to real-time software that interfaces directly with hardware components, sensors, and control systems to support safe and reliable vehicle operations.

This is an early-career role designed to build strong foundations in embedded software development, hardware–software integration, and real-time systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a technical field.
• Experience programming in C, C++, Rust or similar systems language.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or real-time software development.
• Understanding of SPI, I2C, UART, or CAN protocols.
• Knowledge of state machines, interrupts, memory management, and hardware interfaces.
• Hands-on debugging of technical systems via projects, internships, or work.
• Willingness to learn Rust and modern embedded practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software for bare-metal and RTOS-based systems.
• Implement and test digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN.
• Contribute to state machines and command/control software for autonomous vehicle systems.
• Write reliable, memory-conscious embedded software, primarily in Rust.
• Work with hardware engineers to integrate, debug, and validate interfaces.
• Develop unit and integration tests for embedded software on production hardware.
• Debug software using standard embedded development tools and participate in code reviews.

Skills

C

C++

Rust

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer - Vehicle Software

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Embedded Software Engineer

Parallel Systems is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to help develop the embedded systems that power our autonomous rail vehicles. In this role, you will contribute to real-time software that interfaces directly with hardware components, sensors, and control systems to support safe and reliable vehicle operations.

This is an early-career role for an engineer looking to build strong foundations in embedded software development, hardware-software integration, and real-time systems. You will work closely with experienced software and hardware engineers while gaining hands-on experience developing and testing software on production hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software for bare-metal and RTOS-based systems
• Implement and test digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN
• Contribute to state machines and command/control software for autonomous vehicle systems
• Write reliable, memory-conscious embedded software, primarily in Rust
• Work with hardware engineers to integrate, debug, and validate hardware-software interfaces
• Develop unit and integration tests for embedded software using hardware test stands
• Debug software using standard embedded development tools and techniques
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, documentation, and continuous improvement of engineering practices

What Success Looks Like

• After 30 Days: You understand the basics of our embedded architecture, development environment, and hardware platforms. You are contributing small code changes, tests, and bug fixes with support from the team.
• After 60 Days: You are independently implementing and testing well-scoped embedded software features and becoming comfortable debugging software on target hardware.
• After 90 Days: You have delivered embedded software that has been validated on target hardware, can independently own smaller features or subsystems, and are contributing effectively to the team's development and testing practices.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience programming in C, C++, Rust, or another systems programming language through coursework, internships, projects, or professional experience
• Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or real-time software development
• Understanding of common digital communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, or CAN
• Familiarity with basic software concepts such as state machines, interrupts, memory management, and hardware interfaces
• Hands-on experience debugging technical systems through academic projects, internships, student teams, personal projects, or professional work
• Strong problem-solving skills and an interest in working directly with hardware
• Willingness to learn Rust and modern embedded software development practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience developing embedded software
• Experience with bare-metal or RTOS-based development
• Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, or other hardware debugging tools
• Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, or similar hardware-focused projects
• Exposure to control systems, PID controllers, or motion control
• Coursework or project experience in electrical engineering or digital electronics
• Experience with Rust or interest in developing production embedded software in Rust

We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. The target hiring range for this position is listed below.

Target Salary Range:

$132,000 - $178,000 USD

Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.

Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.