Automotive Systems & Applications Engineer

NXP Semiconductors•Austin, TX

About The Position

NXP Semiconductors is seeking a highly motivated Automotive Systems & Applications Engineer to contribute to the development and deployment of innovative automotive solutions. This role sits at the intersection of embedded software, hardware, and system architecture, supporting the industry’s shift toward software‑defined vehicles, centralized and zonal compute architectures, and increasingly complex system integration challenges. In addition to a strong foundation in traditional applications engineering, this role reflects the evolving nature of engineering work itself. As AI‑assisted tools begin to reshape how software is developed, debugged, documented, and supported, this position offers the opportunity to adopt and help shape modern, productivity‑focused engineering workflows—both internally and in collaboration with customers. The ideal candidate brings deep embedded systems expertise, curiosity about emerging tools and methodologies, and a practical mindset focused on improving efficiency, quality, and customer outcomes in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
5+ years of experience in automotive embedded systems development, applications engineering, or a related technical role.
Strong knowledge of Arm-based MCU/MPU architectures. Experience with heterogeneous, multi-core embedded systems is a plus.
Strong understanding of automotive architectures, communication protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, CAN, LIN, FlexRay), and safety standards (ISO 26262).
Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming for microcontrollers and microprocessors.
Experience with compilers, emulators and real-time operating systems.
Experience with embedded Linux OS and expertise in embedded Linux development.
Hands-on experience with embedded development tools, debuggers, and testing equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded software development methodologies.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools used in software engineering workflows (e.g., code completion, code explanation, automated refactoring, test generation).
Demonstrated curiosity and initiative in exploring AI-enabled engineering workflows to improve productivity and quality.
Basic understanding of machine learning concepts relevant to edge AI deployments (e.g., inference vs. training, edge vs. cloud) is a plus.
Experience interacting directly with customers and solving complex technical issues throughout all stages of automotive development cycles.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Must have very strong oral and written English language skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with heterogeneous, multi-core embedded systems is a plus.
Basic understanding of machine learning concepts relevant to edge AI deployments (e.g., inference vs. training, edge vs. cloud) is a plus.
Prior experience with NXP's automotive product portfolio (e.g., S32Z/E, S32N, S32G, S32K) is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

Promote NXP field engineering and sales teams' design-win activity by enabling customer transitions from reference designs to production applications
Develop and implement application-specific software, firmware, and hardware solutions utilizing NXP's microcontrollers, processors, and other automotive components.
Design, build, and test proof-of-concept systems, reference designs, and evaluation kits to demonstrate the capabilities and performance of NXP's automotive portfolio.
Provide comprehensive technical support to customers, including debugging, troubleshooting, and resolving complex system-level issues.
Create detailed application notes, technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials to facilitate customer adoption and successful integration of NXP products.
Participate in customer workshops, technical reviews, and product demonstrations, effectively communicating technical information to diverse audiences.
Execute performance analysis, benchmarking, and optimization of automotive systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations.
Leverage AI‑assisted engineering tools to improve productivity in embedded software development, debugging, and customer support, and share effective practices with the broader team, with appropriate validation and review.
Contribute to AI-enabled automotive demos and technical content.