Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Role summary We are seeking an experienced embedded software engineer to lead the architecture, development, and integration of embedded platforms spanning MCU firmware, RTOS, embedded Linux, platform-management protocols, and hardware-backed security. This role combines system-level technical ownership with hands-on development and debugging. You will drive the design of secure, resilient, and recoverable platforms while guiding the translation of complex requirements into reusable, validated software solutions. Required skills and qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline, with 10+ years of embedded software experience and a demonstrated track record of technical ownership for complex platforms or subsystems. Strong hands-on proficiency in C and low-level embedded software development, with deep expertise in processor architecture, interrupts, DMA, synchronization, memory protection, and hardware–software interactions. Substantial expertise in one or more of the following areas: Zephyr OS, RTOS-based MCU development, or embedded Linux platform development, complemented by practical experience integrating firmware, drivers, middleware, and host-side software. Demonstrated implementation or architectural experience in at least one of the following domains: firmware development, secure boot, platform security, or specification-driven software development. Proven ability to lead complex debugging efforts, conduct architecture and code reviews, mentor engineers, and resolve technical trade-offs while remaining actively involved in implementation. Strong communication, technical documentation, planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with a proven ability to take ambiguous technical challenges from investigation through implementation and validation. Nice to have: Experience with Rust. Experience with FPGA-based firmware development. Upstream open-source contributions. Experience developing software for NXP MCUs or MPUs. Experience with secure boot, hardware-backed security, trusted firmware, secure firmware updates, or recovery systems, including the ability to reason about trust boundaries, failure modes, and the security implications of design decisions. Key responsibilities Own the software architecture and technical direction for embedded platforms. Analyze hardware and requirements documentation, and translate system requirements into software architecture, component boundaries, interface definitions, implementation plans, and validation strategies. Identify technical risks early and use prototypes to evaluate uncertain design decisions. Architect firmware, drivers, subsystems (e.g., security), middleware, and applications while ensuring effective hardware-software integration. Address initialization dependencies, asynchronous communication, concurrency, resource constraints, fault handling, and recovery mechanisms. Remain hands-on with critical development activities. Implement and review complex drivers and middleware, support platform bring-up, and lead root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, protocols, and operating system components. Lead engineering quality and technical execution by establishing design review and validation standards, mentoring engineers, guiding work breakdown and delivery planning, and coordinating with cross-functional teams, architects, customers, and open-source communities. More information about NXP in India... #LI-2734