Senior Project Engineer - Embedded Architect

Kforce Inc; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce is seeking a Principal Embedded Systems Architect in Rochester Hills, MI to lead the design and development of vehicle communication interfaces, diagnostic platforms, and connected solutions for the commercial vehicle industry.

This hands-on leadership role covers system architecture, hardware design, firmware, PC integration, production, and field support, with emphasis on ARM-based firmware, CAN networks, secure provisioning, and industry standards collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing embedded electronic products from concept through production.
• Strong hardware design, integration, board bring-up, and debugging skills.
• Deep experience with ARM-based embedded systems and C/C++ firmware development.
• Experience developing or supporting PC device drivers and low-level communications, particularly USB and network-based protocols.
• Strong knowledge of embedded Linux and/or RTOS-based systems.
• Experience with vehicle networks, protocol analysis, and commercial vehicle diagnostic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to make system architecture decisions and lead across hardware, firmware, PC software, security, and test disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and development of embedded vehicle interfaces and diagnostic devices.
• Develop and integrate firmware for ARM microprocessors and microcontrollers using C/C++.
• Drive embedded hardware design, schematic and design reviews, board bring-up, validation, troubleshooting, and production readiness.
• Develop or support Windows device drivers, APIs, and low-level communication software for USB and network-connected devices.
• Implement wired and wireless communications, including USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth.
• Design secure product architectures incorporating secure boot, hardware root of trust, secure firmware updates, device authentication, cryptographic services, and secure provisioning.
• Support vehicle communication technologies and diagnostic standards, including CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939, J1708/J1587, ISO 15765, UDS, DoIP, RP1210, RP1227, and J2534.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and lead resolution of complex system and field issues.
• Participate in industry standards organizations and vehicle communication working groups to help influence future diagnostic, communication, and cybersecurity standards.

Skills

Hardware design

ARM-based embedded systems

C/C++ firmware

PC device drivers

Embedded Linux / RTOS

Vehicle networks

Security concepts

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Rochester Hills, MI that is seeking a Contingent Workforce Specialist. Summary: We are seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Systems Architect to lead the design and development of vehicle communication interfaces, diagnostic platforms, and connected solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. This hands‑on technical leadership role spans the full product lifecycle, from system architecture and hardware design through firmware, PC integration, production, and field support. Duties:

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded vehicle communication interfaces and diagnostic devices
• Develop and integrate firmware for ARM-based microprocessors and microcontrollers using C/C++
• Drive embedded hardware design, schematic and design reviews, board bring‑up, validation, troubleshooting, and production readiness
• Develop or support Windows device drivers, APIs, and low‑level communication software for USB and network‑connected devices
• Implement wired and wireless communications, including USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth
• Design secure product architectures incorporating secure boot, hardware root of trust, secure firmware updates, device authentication, cryptographic services, and secure provisioning
• Support vehicle communication technologies and diagnostic standards, including CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939, J1708/J1587, ISO 15765, UDS, DoIP, RP1210, RP1227, and J2534
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and lead resolution of complex system and field issues
• Participate in industry standards organizations and vehicle communication working groups to help influence future diagnostic, communication, and cybersecurity standards

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Rochester Hills, MI that is seeking a Contingent Workforce Specialist. Summary: We are seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Systems Architect to lead the design and development of vehicle communication interfaces, diagnostic platforms, and connected solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. This hands‑on technical leadership role spans the full product lifecycle, from system architecture and hardware design through firmware, PC integration, production, and field support. Duties:

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded vehicle communication interfaces and diagnostic devices
• Develop and integrate firmware for ARM-based microprocessors and microcontrollers using C/C++
• Drive embedded hardware design, schematic and design reviews, board bring‑up, validation, troubleshooting, and production readiness
• Develop or support Windows device drivers, APIs, and low‑level communication software for USB and network‑connected devices
• Implement wired and wireless communications, including USB, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth
• Design secure product architectures incorporating secure boot, hardware root of trust, secure firmware updates, device authentication, cryptographic services, and secure provisioning
• Support vehicle communication technologies and diagnostic standards, including CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939, J1708/J1587, ISO 15765, UDS, DoIP, RP1210, RP1227, and J2534
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and lead resolution of complex system and field issues
• Participate in industry standards organizations and vehicle communication working groups to help influence future diagnostic, communication, and cybersecurity standards

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience developing embedded electronic products from concept through production
• Strong hardware design, integration, board bring‑up, and debugging skills
• Deep experience with ARM-based embedded systems and C/C++ firmware development
• Experience developing or supporting PC device drivers and low‑level communications, particularly USB and network-based protocols
• Strong knowledge of embedded Linux and/or RTOS-based systems
• Experience with vehicle networks, protocol analysis, and commercial vehicle diagnostic systems

• - Demonstrated ability to make system architecture decisions and lead across hardware, firmware, PC software, security, and test disciplines

The ideal candidate is a systems-level engineer who can work across embedded hardware, ARM-based firmware, PC device drivers, vehicle communications, and product cybersecurity. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and industry partners to advance diagnostic and connectivity products.

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.