Sr. Software Automotive Engineer - Motor Control

Schaeffler; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and 401(k) with company match

Employee appreciation events

Job summary

Schaeffler seeks a Software Automotive Engineer specializing in traction inverter and e-motor control software. This role, based in Auburn Hills, focuses on embedded control system development for high-performance automotive applications.

The ideal candidate will have extensive automotive experience, particularly in inverter and motor control, and must be familiar with ASPICE and ISO 26262 standards. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of automotive embedded software experience, focusing on inverter or motor control functions.
• Experience in quality-oriented development and compliance with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement software architecture for inverter and motor control functions.
• Develop control algorithms for real-time performance and production-level robustness.
• Collaborate with global teams for integration and validation processes.

Skills

Control theory

Embedded C programming

Real-time debugging

Automotive diagnostics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CANape

INCA

GIT

Job description

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a long history of private ownership. As a partner to all major automobile manufacturers, and key players in aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer many development opportunities.

General Information

We are seeking a Software Automotive Engineer with strong expertise in traction inverter and e-motor control software for next generation electrified propulsion systems. The role focuses on architecture, implementation, integration, and validation of embedded control software for high-performance, safety-critical automotive applications. The ideal candidate combines deep control-domain knowledge (FOC, torque/speed/current control, modulation, diagnostics, and protection) with strong automotive software engineering practices aligned with ASPICE and ISO 26262.

Locations: Deer Park, IL or Auburn Hills, MI.

Your Responsibilities

• Define and implement software architecture and component design for inverter and motor control functions (torque control, current control, speed estimation, start-up, derating, and limp-home strategies).
• Develop and optimize embedded control algorithms for MCU targets with deterministic real-time performance and production-level robustness.
• Translate vehicle and system requirements into software requirements, architecture elements, and implementable designs with full bidirectional traceability.
• Design and maintain interfaces across application software, BSW- MCAL, diagnostics, and communication stacks (CAN/LIN/Ethernet).
• Support model-based development and production auto-code integration workflows (MATLAB/Simulink) where applicable.
• Define and execute software verification strategies, including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, bench validation, and integration regression testing.
• Support DV/PV activities and production readiness milestones by resolving issues found in integration, validation, and launch phases.
• Perform root-cause analysis for functional, timing, calibration, and field issues; drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with controls, calibration, systems, hardware, and vehicle integration teams across global sites.
• Contribute to coding standards, reusable architecture patterns, and mentoring of junior engineers (for senior profile).

Functional Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Develop software in compliance with ASPICE SWE process areas and quality work products.
• Contribute to ISO 26262 safety lifecycle activities (e.g., HARA inputs, safety requirements, technical safety concept implementation, and safety mechanism verification).
• Support ASIL-oriented development and evidence generation, including FMEA/FMEDA contributions and safety case inputs.
• Apply defensive coding and quality practices such as MISRA-C compliance, static analysis, and structured peer reviews.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years (Senior) of automotive embedded software experience, including direct work on inverter and/or motor control functions.
• Strong understanding of control theory and practical implementation of FOC, PI/PID loops, coordinate transformations, PWM/SVPWM, and observer/estimator concepts.
• Proficiency in embedded C for production software in resource-constrained microcontroller environments.
• Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis, and optimization on automotive MCU platforms (e.g., Infineon AURIX, NXP, Renesas, TI).
• Hands-on experience with calibration and measurement tools (e.g., CANape, INCA, ETAS toolchain, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Working knowledge of AUTOSAR concepts, automotive diagnostics (UDS), and network communication protocols.
• Experience with requirements and traceability tools (e.g., DOORS, Polarion, Jama) and issue/version control tools (e.g., Git, Jira).
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automated test/reporting workflows for embedded software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Full systems-scope engineering approach with high attention to detail in safety-critical implementation.
• Ownership mindset with the ability to balance innovation, robustness, and delivery commitments.
• Effective collaboration in global, multidisciplinary development teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-voltage inverter systems, SiC-based power stages, and advanced thermal/protection strategies.
• Knowledge of motor types and control nuances (PMSM, IM, resolver, and sensorless approaches).
• Experience in software architecture leadership for multi-core ECU platforms.
• Exposure to cybersecurity requirements for connected powertrain controllers (ISO/SAE 21434).
• Experience supporting vehicle integration, SOP readiness, and launch stabilization.
• Experience with static analysis tools and coding rule enforcement (e.g., Polyspace, QAC, Coverity or equivalent).

Our Offering

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and 401(k) eligible with up to 6% company match.
• Regular employee appreciation and company events.
• See all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Schaeffler is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal employment opportunities and consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.