Job Title: Principal Software EngineerJob Description
As a Principal Software Engineer, 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.
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 to develop and communicate program deliverables, priorities, and timeline targets based on customer 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 environments and test tools for tuning, debugging, or customer demonstration.
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to define software requirements and architecture.
Work overtime and weekends when directed to complete essential job duties.
Develop and maintain responsive and cooperative working relationships with internal and external customers, treating everyone with dignity, trust, and respect.
Essential Skills
Proven ability to lead complex software development projects and influence cross-functional teams.
Deep understanding of embedded software development and testing, with 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 functional safety and ISO/SAE cybersecurity standards.
Understanding and experience with design, evaluation, and integration of vehicle control systems and subsystems.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing software development processes and guidelines.
Good understanding of embedded electronics and 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 good verbal and written technical communication skills.
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent is required.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree preferred.
8+ years of related automotive experience with chassis electronic components.
Experience with FMEA, FTA, and structured problem-solving techniques (8D, 5Y) preferred.
Experience with model-based design and tool chains.
Familiarity with CAN tools (e.g., Vector CANape, CANoe) preferred.
Experience with safety-critical electric system development (steering, brakes, powertrain) preferred.
Understanding of structured development processes (e.g., V-Cycle) is required.
Work Environment
Work within a dynamic and collaborative team environment, engaging in complex challenges and contributing to high-quality, safety-critical embedded solutions. Dress code and work schedule may involve working overtime and weekends when necessary to meet project deadlines.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Plymouth, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
Financial & Retirement 401(k) Plan: Administered via Prudential/Empower, featuring a tiered match up to 5% if an employee contributes 6%. Performance Bonus: Employees report strong, sometimes significant, bonuses. Glassdoor Glassdoor +2 Health & Insurance Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision, typically considered average to fair, according to Glassdoor reviews. Life Insurance: Basic life and accidental insurance provided, with options to purchase more, notes Indeed users. Disability Insurance: Long-term disability is generally included. Glassdoor Glassdoor +3 Time Off & Perks Vacation: Paid time off is offered, with reports of 2 weeks of vacation. Holidays: Paid holidays. Professional Support: Opportunities for training and career development, particularly in manufacturing environment
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Plymouth,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 31, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
