Technical Lead Engineer

Whirlpool•Benton Harbor, MI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Software Engineering team designs, develops or coordinates development/troubleshooting or debugging of moderately complex software programs for enhancements and new products. Performs high-level design/modeling to convert stakeholder needs into software solutions. Develops software and tools in support of design, infrastructure and technology platforms. Determines hardware compatibility and/or influences hardware design. Develops the architectural guidelines, specifications, and technical standards and communicates to stakeholders. We are looking for an experienced Full Stack Embedded Technical Lead Engineer to guide the design, development, and delivery of embedded systems across the full technology stack — from low-level firmware to system integration and testing. This role blends deep hands-on technical expertise with team leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate is a strong engineer first, and a natural leader who can guide a team through complex technical challenges while keeping projects aligned with business goals.

Requirements

Strong background in embedded systems architecture and firmware development
Experience working with microcontrollers/microprocessors and embedded hardware platforms
Solid understanding of embedded operating systems (e.g., RTOS, embedded Linux, Android/AOSP, Zephyr)
Experience with low-level programming, device drivers, middleware, and hardware/software integration
Expert-level proficiency in C/C++
Hands-on experience with unit testing, integration testing, and module/system-level testing
Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across hardware and software layers
Familiarity with test automation frameworks and continuous testing practices

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Python for scripting, automation, and tooling
Exposure to cloud infrastructure, particularly AWS (e.g., IoT services, device connectivity, data pipelines)
Understanding of DevOps/CI-CD practices as applied to embedded development
Basic knowledge of AI/ ML, Gen AI software development productivity tools

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for full-stack embedded software development, from low-level firmware through operating-system services and application-level software.
Define software architecture, technical solutions, interfaces, and design approaches for complex embedded systems.
Lead technical discussions, design reviews, code reviews, and architecture decisions.
Own technical decision-making across hardware/software boundaries, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
Identify technical risks, dependencies, and gaps, and drive them to resolution.
Drive best practices in coding standards, testing, and documentation.
Design and develop embedded software and firmware using C and C++.
Work with embedded operating systems such as Linux, RTOS, Android/AOSP, or similar platforms.
Develop across multiple layers, including device drivers and hardware interfaces, firmware and middleware, OS services, application-level software, and communication/connectivity interfaces.
Analyze system performance, reliability, memory usage, CPU utilization, and other embedded-system constraints.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system-level issues across firmware, OS, and application layers.
Champion automation of build, test, and deployment pipelines to improve engineering efficiency.
Understand how embedded products interact with cloud infrastructure and connected services, with working knowledge of AWS preferred.
Understand device-to-cloud communication, APIs, telemetry, OTA software updates, and connected-product architecture.
Collaborate with cloud, mobile, data, and cybersecurity teams where embedded and cloud systems intersect.
Provide technical direction and hands-on guidance to a team of embedded and full stack engineers.
Mentor and coach engineers, supporting their technical growth and career development.
Work closely with hardware, electrical, systems, controls, test, product, and QA teams to integrate software with the overall product and translate requirements into technical solutions.
Participate in and help shape agile ceremonies (sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives) to keep the team productive and on track.
Communicate technical risks, trade-offs, and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Evaluate new tools, technologies, and processes to keep the team's practices current and competitive.

Benefits

Generous benefits package
Whirlpool employee discount
Fitness reimbursement programs
Educational reimbursement programs
Kitchenettes
Beautiful, recently renovated office space
Barista Bar
Biking/walking trails
Access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required)
Always On Flexibility
Two-Week Work from Anywhere
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.