Principal Embedded Systems Architect

RecruitAbility Ltd; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a premier innovator in software and diagnostics, seeks a Principal Embedded Systems Architect in Rochester Hills, MI. You will lead system-level design for embedded vehicle interfaces, CAN/J1939 diagnostics, and cybersecurity across the full product lifecycle.

You will drive ARM-based firmware, hardware bring-up, and Windows driver development, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and industry partners to advance global diagnostic and connectivity solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of dedicated experience developing embedded electronic products from concept through full production.
• Deep proficiency in ARM-based embedded systems, C/C++ firmware, and embedded Linux or RTOS.
• Hands-on hardware design, schematic review, board bring-up, and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, system design, and development of embedded vehicle interfaces and diagnostic hardware.
• Develop C/C++ firmware for ARM-based MCUs/MPUs and drive hardware bring-up and validation.
• Develop Windows device drivers and low-level communication software for USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices.
• Implement vehicle networking tech and standards (CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939, J1708/J1587, ISO 15765, UDS, DoIP, RP1210, RP1227, J2534).
• Design secure product architectures with hardware root of trust, secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and device authentication.

Skills

Embedded systems

ARM-based firmware

C/C++ programming

Firmware development

System architecture

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

Embedded Linux

RTOS

Windows device drivers

Job description

Our client is a specialized business division of an S&P 500, multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse with over a century of proven industry leadership. As a premier innovator in software, advanced diagnostics, e-commerce, and technical service solutions, they empower professionals across the automotive, commercial, and industrial sectors worldwide.

They are seeking a Principal Embedded Systems Architect to lead the system-level design and architectural development of industry-defining vehicle communication interfaces, diagnostic platforms, and connected solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, this hands‑on technical leadership position spans the full product lifecycle, spanning embedded hardware design, ARM‑based firmware, PC device drivers, vehicle networking protocols, and product cybersecurity.

In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, OEMs, commercial fleets, and industry standards organizations to advance diagnostic and connectivity solutions used worldwide.

What YOU get to DO at this award‑winning company:

• System Architecture Leadership: Lead the architecture, system design, and technical development of embedded vehicle communication interfaces and diagnostic hardware.
• Firmware & Hardware Engineering: Develop C/C++ firmware for ARM‑based microprocessors/microcontrollers and drive embedded hardware design, schematic reviews, board bring‑up, validation, and production readiness.
• Driver & Protocol Integration: Develop and support Windows device drivers, APIs, and low‑level communication software for USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth connected devices.
• Vehicle Networking Standards: Implement commercial vehicle communication technologies and standards, including CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939, J1708/J1587, ISO 15765, UDS, DoIP, RP1210, RP1227, and J2534.
• Embedded Cybersecurity: Design secure product architectures incorporating hardware root of trust, secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, device authentication, and cryptographic provisioning.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Serve as a principal technical leader across engineering disciplines, mentor junior engineers, and drive the resolution of complex system and field issues.
• Industry Standards Influence: Participate in vehicle communication working groups and standards organizations to help shape future diagnostic, connectivity, and cybersecurity standards.

What YOU NEED to SUCCEED in this challenging role:

• Experience: 10+ years of dedicated experience developing embedded electronic products from initial concept through full volume production.
• Firmware & OS Expertise: Deep proficiency in ARM‑based embedded systems, C/C++ firmware development, and embedded Linux or RTOS environments.
• Hardware & Board Bring‑Up: Proven hands‑on hardware design, schematic review, board bring‑up, and circuit debugging skills.
• PC Drivers & Networking: Experience developing PC device drivers and low‑level communication layers for USB and network‑based protocols.
• Commercial Vehicle Domain: Strong background in vehicle networks, protocol analysis, and commercial vehicle diagnostic systems.
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

What is in it for YOU?

• Base Salary plus bonus eligibility.
• Professional career growth support and global visibility.
• A collaborative, customer‑focused culture with the stability of a recognized global industry leader.