Principal Electrical Engineer (Software) - PLY

Principal Electrical Engineer (Software) – PLY

Reports To: Manager, Electrical Engineering

Department: EE (6256)

Location: Plymouth, MI

Classification: Salaried Exempt

Summary

In this role, you will report to the Electrical Engineering Manager and serve as a technical leader contributing to excellence in software engineering for electromechanical products, including steering and driveline. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of software and system-level engineering processes, supporting a range of innovative chassis components. Working within a dynamic and collaborative team, you will tackle complex challenges and help deliver high-quality, safety-critical embedded solutions while mentoring engineers and shaping the software development lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority in embedded software development, providing guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Lead software development activities for advanced and safety critical electromechanical products, ensuring robust implementation, integration, and validation.
• Own and drive development processes for both system and software levels, ensuring compliance with ASPICE and alignment with organizational goals.
• Participate in cross functional development teams within the company to develop and communicate program deliverables, priorities, and timeline targets based on customer derived expectations and internal requirements.
• Support and guide teams in implementing functional safety and cybersecurity requirements.
• Evaluate and select tools, platforms, and methodologies to improve development efficiency and quality.
• Act as a technical mentor and reviewer for system and software engineers.
• Interface with OEMs and Tier 2 partners to align on technical requirements and deliverables.
• Create CAN interfaces in embedded environment as well as test tools (CANape, CANalyzer…) for tuning, debugging or customer demonstration.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to define software requirements and architecture.
• Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties.
• Develop and maintain a responsive and cooperative working relationship with internal and external customers. Treat everyone with dignity, trust and respect.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead complex software development projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of embedded software development and testing, strong proficiency in embedded C.
• Expertise in AUTOSAR (Classic and/or Adaptive) architecture, configuration, and integration.
• Strong familiarity with ASPICE-compliant software development processes.
• Working knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards.
• Working knowledge of design, evaluation and integration of vehicle control systems, diagnostics, control modules/software, and electrical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing software development processes and guidelines.
• Good understanding of embedded electronics, automotive communication protocols (CAN, CAN FD, automotive ethernet…).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to diagnose root causes and develop contingency plans.
• Self-starter with strong verbal and written technical communication skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of related automotive experience with chassis electronic components required.
• Experience with FMEA, FTA and structured problem-solving techniques (8D, 5Y…) preferred.
• Experience with model-based design and toolchains.
• Familiarity with CAN tools (e.g., Vector CANape, CANoe…) preferred.
• Safety critical electric system (steering, brakes, powertrain…) development experience preferred.
• Understanding of structured development process (e.g., V-Cycle) is required.

Work Environment

• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer.
• Position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.
• Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 5–10% of time.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing