Principal Embedded Software Development Engineer

Schneider Electric • Lake Forest, IL

12d • Remote

About The Position

This U.S. based position focuses on defining scalable multicore architectures and communication stacks, leading design reviews, safety assessments, and cross-functional architecture decisions. The role involves architecting and developing PLC firmware (Embedded) with a focus on SIL compliance and safety lifecycle documentation. Responsibilities also include architecting, implementing, and reviewing device drivers, board bring-up, bootloaders, and diagnostics, while collaborating with hardware, systems, and test engineering to ensure safety compliance. The position entails leading major R&D initiatives and strategy evolution, mentoring engineers, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and directly collaborating with certification bodies like TÜV for audits and compliance reviews. Key tasks include interpretation of datasheets, Safety Manuals, diagnostic coverage requirements, ECC, and hardware safety mechanisms, as well as the creation of architecture documentation, design specifications, and traceability matrices.

Requirements

• M.E / B.E. in Electronics, Electrical, Communication, Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 12 + years of embedded firmware architecture and engineering experience working with remote teams.
• Expertise in embedded, real‑time, and RTOS-based firmware architecture for industrial systems, including Bare‑Metal, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and VxWorks/QNX.
• Strong background in multicore and multi‑processor system architecture.
• Extensive experience with Functional Safety PLCs aligned with IEC 61508 / IEC 61511.
• Proficient in C, C++, and assembly language.
• Strong hardware–software integration experience, including device driver architecture and development.
• Expert knowledge of industrial communication protocols.
• System-level design experience in Process & Industrial Automation or Automotive.
• Experience with safety-certified RTOS and redundancy architectures.
• Must have board-bring up experience and strong troubleshooting skills with root cause analysis.
• Experience with FMEDA development/review, fault injection analysis, safety assessments, and safety case preparation.
• Experience with Design of redundant and diverse architectures, fault-tolerant systems, safe‑state mechanisms, watchdog strategies, and advanced diagnostics.
• Experience with security and IEC 62443-2/3.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Agile, V-Model, and formal development methodologies.
• Experience with UML/SysML modeling tools and system Engineering.
• Expertise with JTAG, ICE, scopes, and analyzers.
• Knowledge of CMMI, MISRA, CERT, and static analysis tools.
• Experience with TFS, Git, Synergy, or Perforce.
• Strong communication, self-motivated and leadership skills.
• Experience with Protocol Analyzers, WireShark, Fuzz Tools, Debuggers.
• Static Code Analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define scalable multicore architectures and communication stacks.
• Lead design reviews, safety assessments, and cross-functional architecture decisions.
• Architect and develop PLC firmware (Embedded) ensuring SIL compliance and safety lifecycle documentation.
• Architect, implement and review device drivers, board bring-up, bootloaders, and diagnostics.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test engineering to ensure safety compliance.
• Lead major R&D initiatives and strategy evolution.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Direct collaboration with certification bodies (TÜV) for audits and compliance reviews.
• Interpretation of datasheets, Safety Manuals, diagnostic coverage requirements, ECC, and hardware safety mechanisms.
• Creation of architecture documentation, design specifications, and traceability matrices.

Benefits

• medical (with member reward points)
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• Benefit Bucks (credits to apply towards your benefits)
• flexible work arrangements
• paid family leaves
• 401(k) + match
• well-being and recognition (including service anniversary) programs
• 12 holidays per year
• 15 days of paid time off per year (pro-rated in the first year of employment based on start date)
• opportunity to purchase company stock (eligibility depends on start date)
• military leave benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal