Software Engineer Protocol Developer

About Us

TuneZilla is an automotive performance software company that builds proprietary ECU/TCU flashing tools, communication protocols, and a tuning platform used by a global network of calibrators and dealers. We work across VAG, Mercedes, BMW, and a growing list of OEMs.

From reverse engineering vehicle protocols to building robust, production-ready implementations, our work sits at the intersection of embedded systems, automotive engineering, and software. This isn’t just backend or app development, it’s hands-on, close-to-the-metal engineering that directly interfaces with real vehicles.

Our team is small, highly technical, and collaborative. We move fast, share ideas openly, and take ownership of what we build.

About the Role

This posting is for a Mon-Fri on-site Software Engineer role on our Flash Development team. As a member of this team you will design, develop, test, and maintain the ECU communication protocols that sit at the core of our flashing tools - the layer that talks directly to vehicle hardware, this includes:

Reverse engineering automotive firmware

Implementing and maintaining our flashing tool in C/C++

Working with boot modes, diagnostic protocols, CAN bus, and the specific quirks of how different ECUs authenticate, read, and write.

Device testing (in-vehicle and bench)

Working through complex edge cases and unknowns

What we’re looking for

Strong background in embedded systems, reverse engineering, or low-level software development

Solid experience with C/C++

Comfortable working with communication concepts such as client/server architecture, request/response flows

Experience with electronics and bench testing

Self-starter with the ability to work independently.

Quick learner with a passion for technology.

Attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Nice to have (but not required):

Experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g. CAN bus, ISO 9141, ISO 15765, UDS, K-Line)

Experience with low-level programming languages like Assembly.

Why you might like working with us

You’ll be working on a real product used by real users

Your work has direct impact — no “code that never ships”

Small team, no heavy process — your ideas actually matter

Interview Process

Introductory Call: 15-minute call with our team lead about the position, your experience, and career goals.

Paid Take-Home Assignment: A 2-3 hour technical coding assignment in C (with $100 compensation for completion)

On-Site Visit: Onsite at our office to learn more about us and to get a feel for how we’d work together.

Offer extended.

Benefits:

Casual dress

Dental care

Extended health care

Vision care

On-site gym

On-site parking

3 weeks of vacation,

Quarterly profit sharing bonus program (after 1 year of employment)

Professional development reimbursement