Principal Software Engineer, Connectivity

Job Description

Principal Software Engineer – Connectivity (Embedded Systems)

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Full-Time Advanced IoT/Embedded Tech

Our client, an industry leader in connected home and energy-efficient products, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer – Connectivity to drive the design and development of embedded software for IoT-connected MEP devices. This key role sits within the Advanced Technology & Integration team and focuses on architecting scalable connectivity solutions across product lines.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the end-to-end development of embedded software for connectivity modules integrated with home appliance products

Define requirements and software architecture in collaboration with systems engineering, product teams, R&D, marketing, and manufacturing

Develop production-level embedded software using C/C++ and assembly for multi-threaded, real-time systems

Ensure robust documentation and perform self-reviews and unit-level testing

Interface with hardware teams to validate firmware in real product environments

Support manufacturing and field service implementation, including software tools for diagnostics and support

Develop and validate PC, handheld, and mobile-based tools for development, service, and testing

Participate in system design reviews, including FMEAs and DFM/DFT evaluations

Coordinate formal documentation for requirements, design artifacts, and qualification testing

Represent the organization in technical societies and remain abreast of emerging industry innovations

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

7+ years of hands-on experience developing embedded software for microprocessor-based control systems

Proficiency in C, C++, and Assembly for real-time, embedded environments

Expertise in communication protocols and hardware interfaces: SPI, QSPI, UART, RS485

Familiarity with modern wired and wireless technologies such as Ethernet, BLE, Wi-Fi, Thread, Matter, Amazon Sidewalk, BACnet, Modbus, and TCP/IP

Experience with version control tools (e.g., GitHub) and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, emulators, logic analyzers)

Strong knowledge of secure embedded systems: Secure Boot, TLS, X.509, encrypted file systems

Ability to read and interpret PCB schematics and system wiring diagrams

Working knowledge of MATLAB, LabVIEW, or other model-based development environments

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally across engineering and product disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with regulatory environments or connected appliance industries

Familiarity with diagnostics tools for manufacturing and field deployment

Statistical design tools or knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE)

Experience mentoring engineering teams and driving systems architecture in fast-paced environments

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive base salary and annual performance bonuses

Hybrid work flexibility (Chicago-based)

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

401(k) with match

Continuing education and certification support

High-impact role within a fast-evolving product innovation team

Full-time

Hybrid remote