Principal 1, Embedded Software Engineer

Alcon; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible time off

Job summary

Alcon in Lake Forest, CA is seeking a Principal I, Embedded Software Engineer to lead design and development of software for medical devices in RTOS environments, using C++ and C. You'll influence engineering teams and collaborate with product management to meet business needs.

You will work on challenging embedded projects, perform code reviews, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor junior engineers while advancing your expertise in eye health technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs.)
• Assoc.+9 yrs.; M.S.+2 yrs.; PhD+0 yrs.
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of complex software solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with product management and business leaders to ensure software solutions meet business needs.
• Ensure best practices are followed and optimize development processes.
• Lead high-impact engineering projects and drive technical direction for the software engineering team.

Skills

C/C++ Embedded

RTOS

Embedded MCUs

Debugging

Board bring-up

CAN/SPI/UART

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Tools

CANoe

Lauterbach

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

In-Circuit Emulators

Job description

This is an onsite based position based out of our Lake Forest, California Office:

At Alcon, we’re passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

This role is part of Alcon’s Information Technology function, a team that delivers cutting‑edge technology solutions to Alcon associates and customers to help our people and the world see brilliantly. The Principal I, Embedded Software Engineer, is primarily responsible for leading the design and development of software solutions, leveraging advanced technical expertise to influence engineering teams and the broader organization

In this role you will work on challenging embedded projects, applying your skills to design, develop, integrate and test computer-controlled electromechanical devices in a Real‑Time Operating System (RTOS) environment. You will contribute to software risk management by writing software design and test documentation which thoroughly cover software requirements to ensure our products are safe for use on millions of patients and in compliance with regulations worldwide. As a member of our team, you will work with the latest technologies and software development principles, using your embedded microcontroller experience in C++ and C programming languages. You will also apply your knowledge of embedded analysis, simulation, and debug tools to troubleshoot multi‑threaded applications and communication peripherals. You will gain an in‑depth understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the eye, as our work is focused on developing medical devices for this field.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead the design and implementation of complex software solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with product management and business leaders to ensure software solutions meet business needs.
• Ensure best practices are followed and optimize development processes.
• Continuously evaluate and improve the software development lifecycle.
• Lead high-impact engineering projects and drive technical direction for the software engineering team.
• Contribute to the company’s ability to deliver innovative and high‑quality software.
• Make key technical decisions on software design, architecture, and engineering strategies.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert and provide guidance on complex technical challenges.
• Associates adhere to GxP regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and on the job training.
• Associatesare responsible for meeting their individual job requirements and contributing to the overall compliance of the organization. Compliance with regulatory requirements and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to our operations.

Key Requirements/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs.
• Assoc.+9 yrs.; M.S.+2 yrs.; PhD+0 yrs.)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

Preferred Requirements:

• Proficiency in C /C++ targeting embedded Microcontrollers (Example: ST STM32, NXP, or similar).
• Understanding of electronic circuitry and ability to read schematics as applicable to design and debugging efforts.
• Experience with board bring up and interfacing with on and off chip peripherals such as SPI, CAN, UART, I2C, Ethernet, ADC’s and DAC’s.
• Strong debugging skills at component‑level designs on the PCBA or within an integrated product.
• Proficiency using simulation and debug tools (ex: CANoe, Lauterbach).
• Proficiency using lab equipment (logic analyzers, in‑circuit emulators, oscilloscopes and DVMs) to debug and troubleshoot designs.
• Proficient knowledge of embedded software architecture and design patterns.
• Proficient with RTOS (CMX, ThreadX, or similar) and RTOS based applications and multi‑threaded applications.
• Proficient in creating bootloaders, application code, device drivers for embedded boards.
• Proficient at writing supporting design and test documentation for embedded systems.

How to Thrive at Alcon:

• Manage your own workload and schedule while hitting your set targets.
• Build positive working relationships to achieve positive goals and business objectives.
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, and much more!

Alcon Careers

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Compensation and Benefits

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long‑term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short‑term and long‑term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well‑being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.

Pay Range

128,350.00 - 166,100.00

Pay Frequency

Annual

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.