Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Detector Electronics LLC; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Det-Tronics, a leading industrial life-safety technology provider, seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead firmware architecture and implementation for NPD and sustaining projects in Minneapolis. You will establish design execution processes, maintain traceability for regulated products, and collaborate with hardware teams to integrate firmware across the lifecycle.

The role requires 8+ years of embedded software experience in C/C++, RTOS proficiency, and a strong background in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing embedded software/firmware using C/C++.
• 3+ years of experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

Responsibilities

• Translate high-level concepts into robust, maintainable firmware architectures.
• Capture and document requirements and rationale for regulated products to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define and implement hardware/firmware integration strategies and diagnostic coverage.
• Work with Product Owners and stakeholders using Agile practices to maintain alignment and transparency throughout the development lifecycle.
• Adhere to and champion development processes, lead technical reviews, and implement source code that meets product requirements and complies with coding standards.
• Ensure all code is well-documented, rigorously tested, and version-controlled.
• Perform unit testing using IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and analyzers.
• Provide work breakdown plans and task estimates to support project planning and tracking.
• Contribute to product roadmap planning, identify competency and resource gaps, and implement plans to close the gaps.
• Develop metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout the firmware

Skills

C/C++

Embedded software

RTOS

Firmware development

Agile methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

JTAG/SWD

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

UART

I2C

SPI

Ethernet

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Full Time Software Engrg: Mgr Minneapolis, MN, US

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $145,500.00 Annually

About Us:

Det-Tronics is a $200M global technology leader in industrial life safety solutions, specializing in high-end flame and gas detection and automation control systems. As part of Spectrum Safety Solutions with 1,700 employees across 20+ countries we serve mission-critical environments in oil & gas, clean energy, marine, and infrastructure. Backed by Sentinel Capital Partners, we’re driving innovation and growth across our portfolio.

The Opportunity:

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer will lead the firmware design, implementation and test aspects of New Product Development programs (NPD) and Sustaining products throughout their entire lifecycle. The chosen candidate will own the software architecture and design execution, along with processes, tools, and metrics used for new product development and on-going sustaining programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate high-level concepts into robust, maintainable firmware architectures.
• Capture and document requirements and rationale for regulated products to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define and implement hardware/firmware integration strategies and diagnostic coverage.
• Work with Product Owners and stakeholders using Agile practices to maintain alignment and transparency throughout the development lifecycle.
• Adhere to and champion development processes, lead technical reviews, and implement source code that meets product requirements and complies with coding standards.
• Ensure all code is well-documented, rigorously tested, and version-controlled.
• Perform unit testing using tools such as IDEs, debuggers, emulators, communication analyzers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Provide work breakdown plans and task estimates to support project planning and tracking.
• Contribute to product roadmap planning, identify competency and resource gaps, and implement plans to close the gaps.
• Develop metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies throughout the firmware

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing embedded software/firmware using C/C++.
• Docusign Envelope ID: 09861316-0A79-8308-820D-1752E0C6537A
• 3+ years of experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in regulated industries (e.g., medical, industrial safety, automotive).
• Skilled in using firmware debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI, Ethernet).
• Proven ability to deliver firmware across the full development lifecycle—from requirements capture to design, implementation, and validation.
• Proficient in Agile development and DevOps tools such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Experience contributing to FMEAs and implementing risk mitigation strategies in firmware.
• Strong communication and writing skills for collaboration with project stakeholders (Product Managers, Customers, and other Engineers).
• Skilled in collaborating with other engineers to distill market needs into defined technical requirements and system/subsystem/module architectures.
• Self-motivated with a proven track record of leading process improvement efforts.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a globally respected brand in life safety
• Influence strategic decisions at the executive level
• Drive innovation and transformation in a high-growth environment
• Enjoy development opportunities within a dynamic, private equity-backed company

At Det-Tronics, we believe in taking care of our people. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contributions
• Docusign Envelope ID: 09861316-0A79-8308-820D-1752E0C6537A
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan with company match, life and disability insurance
• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and flexible scheduling options
• Professional Growth: Career development programs, training opportunities, and global mobility support
• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness resources, and global mobility support
• Ownership Culture: Participation in our Ownership Program, empowering employees to share in our success

Ready to shape the future of industrial safety?