Senior Real-Time Software Developer

Emerson•Round Rock, TX

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

Emerson is seeking a Senior Real-Time Software Developer excited by the challenge of building both embedded firmware and user-facing applications for industrial automation systems. This role involves working across the full software stack, from real-time controller firmware on Linux and VxWorks RTOS to workstation applications for configuring, programming, visualizing, and managing industrial automation systems. The developer will be a contributing member of a cross-functional Agile team focused on Emerson's PACSystems technologies, which are trusted in discrete and hybrid manufacturing industries. Responsibilities include contributing to the embedded controller platform and engineering software tools, potentially involving PLC programming, deterministic control execution, industrial communications, diagnostics, configuration, visualization, and management workflows. The role focuses on designing and developing next-generation PACSystems software capabilities, involving C and C++ development, real-time distributed computing, Linux and VxWorks RTOS environments, workstation application development, and systems where timing, reliability, usability, and predictable behavior are critical. The team embraces modern development practices like automated testing, AI-assisted development, and spec-driven methods. Emerson is committed to technical excellence, Agile principles, mentorship, and fostering an environment for engineers to do their best work, offering opportunities for rapid growth, meaningful contribution, and real-world impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline plus 5+ years of experience; or Master's degree plus 3+ years of experience.
Strong knowledge of embedded software development using C and C++.
Basic understanding of Linux and/or VxWorks RTOS concepts, including real-time execution, concurrency, memory management, and debugging.
Strong problem-solving skills and a genuine desire to understand complex, distributed control systems.
Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience in embedded firmware development, real-time systems, or controller/runtime software.
Familiarity with PLCs, industrial automation, process control, or discrete and hybrid manufacturing environments.
Exposure to real-time distributed computing, deterministic scheduling, time-critical communications, or high-reliability control systems.
Familiarity with industrial Ethernet and industrial internet protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or MQTT.
Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
Exposure to automated testing, CI pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or system-level firmware validation.
Experience with AI-assisted and spec-driven development workflows, including the use of structured specification languages such as OpenAPI, Protobuf, GraphQL schemas, or JSON Schema to drive code generation, validation, and AI-assisted implementation.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with a creative team, participate in code reviews, and actively engage in Agile activities (sprint planning, retrospectives).
Participate in Hackathons, Tech Talks, and Communities of Practice.
Learn from experienced engineers, product managers, and subject matter experts in industrial automation.
Support the authoring and review of structured software specifications, gaining experience with spec-driven development and AI-assisted development workflows.
Write software using modern tools, frameworks, and AI-enabled development practices.
Apply spec-driven methodologies to improve quality, reduce ambiguity, and accelerate delivery.
Write automated unit tests and contribute to system-level testing to support an automation pipeline and a release-ready product.
Actively participate in team retrospectives and suggest process improvements.
Stay curious about emerging technologies, AI development tooling, and spec-driven methodologies, and apply new skills to real problems.
Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and understand problems before implementing solutions.
Engage openly with teammates, seek feedback, and commit to continuous improvement.