Staff Embedded Controls Engineer

TEKsystems; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 250,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive technology startup is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to develop embedded controls software for real-time MCUs. This role includes designing distributed embedded control systems and collaborating on integrated automotive applications. Candidates should have extensive experience in the automotive industry, with a strong understanding of real-time operating systems and communication protocols. Offering a competitive salary and remote work options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Equity options

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of experience writing software for production embedded systems.
• 3+ years as a staff engineer with contributions to embedded controls architecture.
• Experience with disruptive automotive startups preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect distributed embedded control systems for real-time platforms.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for connected vehicle applications.
• Lead vehicle integration activities and develop automated testing frameworks.

Skills

Embedded systems software development

Real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, etc.)

Control algorithms for automotive applications

System integration

Education

B.Sc. in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

JTAG debuggers

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Staff Software Engineer – Embedded Controls

Exciting opportunity alert! A stealth startup in the automotive industry is on the lookout for a talented embedded controls engineer to join their team remotely. This role offers a unique chance to be part of cutting‑edge innovation. A stealth startup in the automotive software industry is seeking a Staff Software Engineer. This person will be responsible for developing embedded controls software for real‑time MCUs. You will be working closely with embedded Linux and integration engineers to develop the new advanced connected vehicle platform that spans across real‑time, high compute and cloud infrastructure.

Previous Tesla/Rivian experience is HIGHLY preferred and will be prioritized.

Unfortunately at this time, this role cannot support C2C.

Work Environment

This is a remote position with quarterly company onsite requirements (minimum one week per quarter). International travel may be required to visit customers and partners. US citizenship required; we do not sponsor visas for this role.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect distributed embedded control systems for real‑time automotive MCU platforms with deterministic performance requirements.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for connected vehicle applications that interface with ECUs, sensors, and actuators across vehicle networks.
• Architect system‑level integration strategies for embedded controls software within the broader vehicle software platform.
• Design, develop and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs) for automotive‑grade embedded MCU platforms across multiple hardware configurations.
• Develop low‑level device drivers, hardware abstraction layers, and real‑time communication interfaces for automotive peripherals.
• Implement real‑time performance optimization techniques including deterministic scheduling, interrupt handling, and memory management.
• Design and implement safety‑critical software components following ISO 26262 functional safety standards and ASIL requirements.
• Lead vehicle integration activities including ECU calibration, diagnostic protocol implementation, and system validation in laboratory and test vehicle environments.
• Develop automated testing frameworks for embedded controls validation including software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing.
• Collaborate with platform and middleware teams to ensure seamless integration between real‑time controls and high‑compute domains.
• Implement automotive communication protocol stacks including CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and automotive diagnostic protocols.
• Document system architecture, control algorithms, and integration procedures for development teams and automotive partners.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 8-12+ years of experience writing software for production embedded systems, with proven automotive industry delivery record.
• 3+ years of experience as a staff engineer, with significant contributions to embedded controls architecture and system integration.
• Extensive experience with real‑time operating systems including FreeRTOS, VxWorks, ThreadX, and automotive‑specific RTOS implementations.
• Strong knowledge of RTOS fundamentals including deterministic scheduling, task prioritization, interrupt handling, memory management, and real‑time performance optimization.
• Deep understanding of automotive communication protocols including CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and emerging automotive Ethernet standards.
• Proficiency with embedded hardware interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, ADC, and automotive‑specific peripheral protocols.
• Experience with automotive laboratory equipment including JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, and automotive diagnostic tools.
• Experience with model‑based design tools and control algorithm development for automotive applications.
• Strong skills in real‑time system debugging, performance profiling, and optimization for resource‑constrained automotive environments.
• Experience with disruptive automotive startups such as Tesla, Rivian, or similar innovative companies.
• Knowledge of AUTOSAR Classic and Adaptive Platform application and runtime development.
• Knowledge of writing Linux/POSIX applications for automotive high‑compute domains.
• Experience with automotive safety standards including ASPICE and MISRA C/C++ coding standards.
• Knowledge of automotive diagnostic protocols including UDS and XCP calibration protocols.
• Experience with control theory, PID controllers, and advanced automotive control algorithms.
• Knowledge of sensor fusion techniques and data processing for automotive control applications.
• Understanding of automotive cybersecurity principles and secure embedded system design.
• Experience with automotive grade hardware components and real‑time system validation.
• Knowledge of power management and low‑power design techniques for automotive embedded systems.
• Experience with automotive manufacturing processes and production software deployment.
• Understanding of automotive communication network topologies and system‑level integration challenges.

Benefits

Pay range: $250,000.00 – $275,000.00 per year. Remote position. Competitive salaries, equity, and comprehensive benefits regardless of geographic location.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2025.

Equal Opportunity

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.