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Automotive Embedded System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary Lion Energy is seeking an Embedded Systems Manager to lead our embedded engineering team in the development of next-generation energy storage and portable power solutions. This role ...

$100 - $125/hr

The Automation and Embedded System Engineer role is a full-time, hybrid position responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control and automation solutions for powered air compressors ...

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Automotive Embedded System Engineer information

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$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

How much do automotive embedded system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive embedded system engineer in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive embedded system engineer?

Automotive Embedded System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the embedded systems used in vehicles. These systems include hardware and software that control functions such as engine management, infotainment, safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Their work ensures that vehicles operate efficiently, safely, and with enhanced user experiences. They collaborate with other engineers, use programming languages like C/C++, and work with automotive communication protocols to integrate complex electronic systems within vehicles.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive embedded system engineers when integrating new technologies into vehicles?

Automotive Embedded System Engineers often encounter challenges related to compatibility and safety when integrating new technologies into vehicles. Balancing the need for advanced features—such as connectivity or driver assistance systems—with strict automotive safety standards can be complex. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, such as hardware engineers and software developers, is essential to ensure seamless integration. Additionally, engineers must constantly stay updated with evolving automotive protocols and regulations to deliver reliable and compliant systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive embedded system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Embedded System Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and electronics, often supported by a degree in electrical, computer, or automotive engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, AUTOSAR, CAN/LIN protocols, and experience with ECU development and debugging tools is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help engineers excel in complex project environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering reliable, safe, and innovative automotive solutions that meet strict industry standards.

What is the difference between Automotive Embedded System Engineer vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Embedded System EngineerAutomotive Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; embedded systems certificationsBachelor's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; programming certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing embedded hardware/software in automotive settingsDeveloping automotive software applications and algorithms
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, suppliers, focusing on embedded systemsAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, focusing on software development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Automotive Embedded System Engineer focuses on designing and integrating embedded hardware and software within vehicles, ensuring real-time performance and hardware compatibility. In contrast, the Automotive Software Engineer primarily develops automotive software applications, algorithms, and user interfaces. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their technical focus and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Embedded System Engineer jobs?

For Automotive Embedded System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Embedded System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,274 per year, or $66 per hour.

Lead Automotive Embedded Software Engineer

Detroit, MI

ALTEN Technology USA
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Overview : 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. Minimum 10+ years of experience in automotive embedded software development environments. 
  • This position is focused on the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software supporting automotive seating, comfort, actuator, motor, and interior system applications. 
  • The engineer will lead software development activities from requirements analysis and software architecture through coding, integration, validation, and production launch. This is a hands-on embedded software development position requiring deep technical involvement throughout the full software development lifecycle. 
  • The role will work closely with Systems, Hardware, Mechanical, Validation, Manufacturing, and Customer teams to deliver high-quality automotive embedded software solutions. 
  • This position requires strong technical ownership, excellent communication skills, deep Embedded C expertise, and the ability to support complex automotive product development programs. 
  • Full-time onsite presence is required. 

Key Responsibilities :

Requirements Analysis & Software Architecture 

  • Analyze customer and system requirements using ALM tools such as Codebeamer 
  • Develop software architecture, detailed design documentation, and test strategies 
  • Maintain software requirements traceability throughout development 
  • Participate in architecture reviews and technical design discussions 

Embedded Software Development 

  • Develop automotive embedded software using Embedded C 
  • Design and implement low-level drivers, middleware, and application software 
  • Develop robust, maintainable, and optimized software solutions 
  • Support code optimization for performance, memory utilization, and power efficiency 
  • Follow automotive software development standards and coding guidelines 

Integration, Testing & Validation 

  • Support software build and release activities 
  • Develop and execute unit, integration, and qualification testing 
  • Support debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations 
  • Ensure software quality and compliance throughout development 

Automotive Product Development & Launch Support 

  • Support programs from concept through production launch 
  • Participate in customer reviews and program milestone activities 
  • Support OEM and Tier 1 development requirements 
  • Ensure software solutions meet performance, quality, timing, and reliability objectives 

Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to software team members 
  • Collaborate closely with Hardware, Systems, Validation, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Quality teams 
  • Clearly communicate technical concepts, risks, and development status 
  • Support customer-facing technical discussions when required 

Design for Excellence (DFX) 

  • Support DFM, DFA, DFC, DFT, and DFR objectives during software development 
  • Ensure software solutions contribute to overall product quality and reliability 

Profile:  

  • Hands-on Embedded Software Engineer with deep automotive development experience 
  • Strong ownership mindset and ability to independently drive software development activities 
  • Clear and effective communicator capable of engaging with customers and cross-functional teams 
  • Strong debugging and troubleshooting capabilities 
  • Comfortable working throughout the complete software lifecycle from requirements through release 
  • Customer-focused engineer who thrives in collaborative development environments 
  • Able to provide technical leadership while remaining actively involved in development activities 

Must Have:  

  • 10+ years of automotive embedded software development experience 
  • Strong Embedded C programming experience (mandatory) 
  • Experience developing low-level drivers, middleware, and application layer software 
  • Experience creating software architecture and detailed software design documentation 
  • Experience with software build, release, and configuration management processes 
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and qualification testing 
  • Experience with CAN and LIN communication protocols 
  • Experience supporting automotive OEM or Tier 1 development programs 
  • Experience with requirements management and traceability 
  • Strong communication, presentation, and technical leadership skills 
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field  

Good to Have: 

  • Codebeamer experience 
  • DOORS or Polarion experience 
  • IAR Embedded Workbench experience 
  • RTOS experience 
  • APQP knowledge 
  • ISO 26262 Functional Safety experience 
  • ASPICE knowledge 
  • Seating systems experience 
  • Interior electronics experience 
  • Mechatronic systems experience 
  • Actuator or motor control systems experience 
  • Tier 1 automotive supplier experience 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.