Principle Embedded Software Engineer

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POWERTECH is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in Abu Dhabi, onsite, to own the architecture, development, and validation of real-time embedded software for engine control systems including ECUs and FADECs, with safety-critical DO-178C MISRA and ISO 26262 compliance. The role requires 8 to 12 years in aerospace or defense, hands-on bare-metal and RTOS work, and experience with ARM Cortex-M, TI C2000, Infineon Aurix, plus integration with hardware, MATLAB/Simulink to embedded code, and SIL/HIL testing using dSPACE NI or Vector. Mentorship and cross-functional collaboration are essential. To apply, tailor your resume to showcase DO-178C ARP4754A artifacts, real-time performance, and architecture decisions, and include a clear cover note on safety-critical delivery and leadership.

About POWERTECH

POWERTECH is a center of excellence for propulsion technologies, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of combustion engines, expendable turbojet engines, and turbofan engines for a wide range of aerospace, defence, and autonomous applications, including fixed- and rotary-wing UAVs and other advanced platforms.

Job Summary:

The Embedded Software Principal Engineer is responsible for the architecture, development, and validation of real-time embedded software for engine control systems, including ECUs/FADECs used in gas turbine engines. The role focuses on delivering reliable, safety-critical firmware compliant with aerospace and defence standards, with close integration to the electrical hardware, performance models, and safety systems. This is a senior technical position requiring deep embedded expertise and the ability to guide software design decisions across current and future engine platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Software Architecture & Development

• Design and implement real-time embedded software for engine control units (ECUs), including bootloaders, task schedulers, and control logic layers.
• Develop structured code in C/C++ adhering to safety-critical standards such as DO-178C, MISRA, and ISO 26262 (where applicable).
• Interface with system-level models and control logic derived from MATLAB/Simulink and convert them into embedded code or integrate with auto-code generators.

Integration & Testing

• Integrate firmware with custom hardware (MCUs, FPGAs, power drivers, sensors, and actuators) in close coordination with hardware engineers.
• Develop and execute software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests using tools such as dSPACE, NI, or Vector.
• Lead root cause analysis and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and diagnostic tools.
• Ensure real-time performance and determinism under all operating conditions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Generate software requirements, design descriptions, traceability matrices, test plans, and verification artifacts in line with DO-178C and ARP4754A standards.
• Support safety assessments and participate in system-level FMEA, hazard analyses, and software reviews.
• Contribute to configuration management and version control using Git, SVN, or equivalent tools.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Work closely with control engineers, hardware engineers, and system engineers to align software functionality with system-level goals.
• Mentor junior embedded engineers and contribute to internal software design standards and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8–12 years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in aerospace, defense, or automotive safety-critical systems.
• Proven experience with bare-metal and RTOS-based embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of microcontrollers, not limited to ARM Cortex-M, TI C2000, Infineon Aurix, or similar microcontrollers.
• Solid understanding of control systems, signal processing, and real-time constraints.

Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink code generation workflows (e.g., Embedded Coder).
• Experience with communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422, and ARINC 429.
• Exposure to model-based design (MBD) and code coverage/robustness testing tools.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and structured in approach.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging capabilities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced R&D environments.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

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