Principal Embedded Software Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Principal Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer to lead firmware design and development for critical safety applications. This role involves strategic planning, technical leadership, and collaboration with hardware engineers to create reliable and safe products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in embedded firmware development, particularly with C/C++, and a strong background in Agile methodologies. Join a forward-thinking team where your contributions will ensure the safety and efficiency of high-hazard environments, making a real difference in the industry.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software and embedded firmware development with C/C++.
• Experience leading firmware development from inception to launch.
• 3+ years of RTOS experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead software strategic planning and architecture definition.
• Provide technical leadership to software team members.
• Manage DevOps tools for traceability from requirements to test cases.

Skills

C/C++

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)

Agile methodology

DevOps tools

Embedded System Design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Advanced degree in Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

Tessy

Coverity

Black Duck

Job description

Job Description

Spectrum Safety Solutions:

With approximately 1,400 employees operating in more than 20 countries, Spectrum Safety Solutions is a global leader in fire detection and suppression solutions for high-hazard applications across verticals such as critical infrastructure, oil and gas, marine, and clean energy. Our global team leverages strong customer relationships across four recognized brands, Det-Tronics, Marioff, Autronica, and Fireye, to deliver differentiated lifecycle solutions and advance growth across key segments. Carved out from Carrier’s Fire & Security business in July 2024, Spectrum Safety Solutions is now a privately-held company under the ownership of Sentinel Capital Partners.

Det-Tronics:

We make the world a better place to live! At Spectrum’s Det-Tronics, we build and maintain comfortable, accessible, efficient, healthy, safe, secure, and sustainable environments. Det-Tronics is a $180M technologically innovative, projects-based global brand protecting customers in many challenging environments with high-end flame and gas detection products and systems. Det-Tronics is a part of Spectrum Safety Solutions with a global footprint, manufacturing sites in the U.S., and sales presence in all key geographies.

About This Role:

The Principal Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer will lead the firmware design, implementation, and testing of New Product Development (NPD) and Sustaining products throughout their lifecycle. The candidate will own the software architecture and design execution, along with processes, tools, and metrics used for product development and sustaining programs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead software strategic planning, concept development, architecture definition, and translation to system/subsystem/module designs that are reliable, safe, and sustainable.
2. Provide technical leadership to software team members.
3. Lead the capture of requirements and rationale for regulated products.
4. Collaborate with hardware engineers for hardware/firmware integration and diagnostics.
5. Manage DevOps tools and processes for traceability from requirements to test cases.
6. Act as Product Owner using Agile methodology, communicating effectively with stakeholders.
7. Ensure development processes compliance, lead technical reviews, document work, and meet coding standards.
8. Work with experts to ensure use case coverage and regulation compliance.
9. Ensure code is well-documented, tested, and controlled.
10. Perform unit testing using IDEs, debuggers, and analyzers.
11. Develop work breakdown plans and task estimates for project management.
12. Participate in roadmap planning, identify resource gaps, and implement solutions.
13. Create metrics to track progress and identify improvements.
14. Support multiple development programs concurrently.
15. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years in software and embedded firmware development (C/C++).
• Experience leading significant firmware development from inception to launch.
• 3+ years of Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) experience.

Additional Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Computer Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in regulated industries.
• Knowledge of Embedded System Design and high hazard applications (Industrial Life Safety, SIL2).
• Experience with diagnostic and algorithm implementation (e.g., MATLAB).
• Experience with Agile and DevOps tools (e.g., Git, Tessy, Coverity, Black Duck).
• Strong communication skills for collaboration with stakeholders.
• Ability to translate market needs into technical requirements and architectures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience across all phases of firmware development lifecycle.
• Experience with FMEAs and risk control techniques.
• Self-motivated with process improvement leadership skills.