Sr Software Engineer, Embedded

Nrg Bluewater Wind; Washington; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

NRG Energy seeks an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Seattle, WA on a hybrid schedule. The role begins remote, then shifts to in-office Monday–Thursday with a home day on Friday.

You should have 5+ years in software, strong C/C++, Linux, and Yocto/Buildroot expertise, plus hardware/software debugging and cross-compiling on Linux. Expect growth, competitive pay, and full benefits.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field.
• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.
• Deep understanding of embedded Linux (kernel, drivers, boot chain).
• Hands-on experience building Linux distributions with Yocto/Buildroot.
• Experience with board bring-up and hardware/software debugging.
• Experience evaluating BSPs/drivers from vendors/partners.
• Experience with Python or Rust.
• Solid understanding of HTTP, MQTT, JSON, Protobufs.
• Cross-compiling and debugging within Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software in C/C++ for Linux-based systems.
• Assist in boot chain, device drivers, and kernel work.
• Create and customize Linux builds with Yocto/Buildroot.
• Debug hardware/software boundaries and perform board bring-up tasks.
• Collaborate with vendors/partners on BSPs and drivers.
• Contribute to tests, tooling, and CI for embedded software.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux kernel/drivers

Yocto/Buildroot

Board bring-up debugging

Python or Rust

Cross-compiling

HTTP/MQTT/JSON

Hardware/software co-design

Education

BS in Computer Engineering/CS

Tools

JTAG/Logic analyzers

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Seattle, WA

Position requires in-office presence in Seattle, WA on a hybrid schedule for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with a work from home day on Friday. The position will start remote and then will move into the hybrid schedule.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.
• Deep understanding of the embedded Linux ecosystem (kernel, device drivers, and the boot chain: bootloader, device tree, init).
• Hands‑on experience building and customizing Linux distributions using Yocto, Buildroot, or similar.
• Proven track record with board bring‑up and debugging at the hardware/software boundary (reading schematics/datasheets; utilizing JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes).
• Experience evaluating and integrating vendor‑ or partner‑delivered BSPs and drivers.
• Experience with Python or Rust.
• Solid understanding of common web/IoT protocols (HTTP, MQTT, JSON, Protobufs).
• Proficiency with compiling, cross‑compiling, unit testing, and debugging within Linux environments.

Highly Desirable Skills (Nice‑to‑Have)

• Direct experience collaborating with JDM/ODM or contract manufacturing partners on hardware/software co‑development.
• Familiarity with wireless communication protocols (Wi‑Fi, BLE, Zigbee, Z‑Wave).
• Experience with SoC platforms from vendors like NXP, Rockchip, Qualcomm, etc.
• Understanding of embedded security fundamentals (secure boot, OTA updates, and device provisioning).
• Experience leveraging generative AI developer tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) to design, build, debug, and review production software.

Base salary range: $150K to $180K. The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol‑free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post‑accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.