Principal Electrical Engineer (Software) - PLY

JTEKT North America Corporation; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive parts manufacturer is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead embedded software development for electromechanical products. Responsibilities include mentoring engineering teams, ensuring compliance with ASPICE, and interfacing with OEMs. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, over 10 years in automotive components, and familiarity with automotive communication protocols. This full-time position is based in Plymouth, MI, offering a dynamic work environment and collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of related automotive experience with chassis electronic components.
• Experience with FMEA, FTA and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Familiarity with model-based design and toolchains.

Responsibilities

• Lead software development activities for safety-critical electromechanical products.
• Interface with OEMs and Tier 2 partners to align technical requirements.
• Evaluate and select tools to improve development efficiency.

Skills

Leadership in software development projects

Embedded software development

Expertise in AUTOSAR architecture

Knowledge of ASPICE processes

Understanding of functional safety standards

Automotive communication protocols

Analytical problem-solving

Strong technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Vector CANape

CANoe

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer (Software) – PLY

Reports To: Manager, Electrical Engineering

Department: EE (6256)

Location: Plymouth, MI

Classification: Salaried Exempt

Summary

In this role, you will report to the Electrical Engineering Manager and serve as a technical leader contributing to excellence in software engineering for electromechanical products, including steering and driveline. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of software and system-level engineering processes, supporting a range of innovative chassis components. Working within a dynamic and collaborative team, you will tackle complex challenges and help deliver high-quality, safety-critical embedded solutions while mentoring engineers and shaping the software development lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority in embedded software development, providing guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Lead software development activities for advanced and safety critical electromechanical products, ensuring robust implementation, integration, and validation.
• Own and drive development processes for both system and software levels, ensuring compliance with ASPICE and alignment with organizational goals.
• Participate in cross functional development teams within the company to develop and communicate program deliverables, priorities, and timeline targets based on customer derived expectations and internal requirements.
• Support and guide teams in implementing functional safety and cybersecurity requirements.
• Evaluate and select tools, platforms, and methodologies to improve development efficiency and quality.
• Act as a technical mentor and reviewer for system and software engineers.
• Interface with OEMs and Tier 2 partners to align on technical requirements and deliverables.
• Create CAN interfaces in embedded environment as well as test tools (CANape, CANalyzer…) for tuning, debugging or customer demonstration.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to define software requirements and architecture.
• Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties.
• Develop and maintain a responsive and cooperative working relationship with internal and external customers. Treat everyone with dignity, trust and respect.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead complex software development projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of embedded software development and testing, strong proficiency in embedded C.
• Expertise in AUTOSAR (Classic and/or Adaptive) architecture, configuration, and integration.
• Strong familiarity with ASPICE-compliant software development processes.
• Working knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards.
• Working knowledge of design, evaluation and integration of vehicle control systems, diagnostics, control modules/software, and electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing software development processes and guidelines.
• Good understanding of embedded electronics, automotive communication protocols (CAN, CAN FD, automotive ethernet…).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to diagnose root causes and develop contingency plans.
• Self-starter with strong verbal and written technical communication skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of related automotive experience with chassis electronic components required.
• Experience with FMEA, FTA and structured problem-solving techniques (8D, 5Y…) preferred.
• Experience with model-based design and toolchains.
• Familiarity with CAN tools (e.g., Vector CANape, CANoe…) preferred.
• Safety critical electric system (steering, brakes, powertrain…) development experience preferred.
• Understanding of structured development process (e.g., V-Cycle) is required.

Work Environment

• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer.
• Position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.
• Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 5–10% of time.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing