Controls Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role

Xos is seeking a Senior Vehicle Controls Software Engineer to lead the development, integration, and validation of control systems across our electric vehicle platforms. In this role, you'll design and implement embedded control software that powers core vehicle systems including propulsion, energy management, thermal control, and safety.
Success in this role requires strong expertise in embedded software and EV systems, couple with the ability to tackle complex engineering challenges with precision and creativity. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready software that meets rigorous automotive standards and drive performance across our growing vehicle lineup.

**This is an on-site based role at our Los Angeles, CA HQ**

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of vehicle control software across multiple electric vehicle platforms.
• Define and maintain system and software architecture for propulsion, regenerative braking, energy management, and thermal control systems.
• Oversee the validation and verification of control software, ensuring functionality, performance, and safety compliance.
• Translate system level and stakeholder requirements into detailed technical specifications and software requirements.
• Conduct system-level trade studies, simulations, and analyses to support design decisions and mitigate technical risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical, mechanical, and test, to ensure seamless system integration and traceability.
• Support root cause analysis and resolution of complex technical issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 8D, DMAIC).
• Participate in supplier assessment and integration of critical components and subsystems affecting vehicle control performance.
• Ensure adherence to functional safety processes (ISO 26262) and contribute to the development of safety-related work products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development, verification, and validation practices within the vehicle systems engineering function.
• Additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in embedded software development, with at least 3 years in vehicle control systems for electric or hybrid vehicles
• Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow, and experience with software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of EV systems, including propulsion, motor/inverter control, battery management systems (BMS), and vehicle-level energy management.
• Experience with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and automotive development lifecycles.
• Familiarity with software requirements management tools such as JIRA, Jama, Polarion, and version control systems
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills with attention to technical detail.
• Experience with model-based design workflows and code generation ( e.g. Embedded Coder)
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, and Ethernet
• Ability to travel domestically up to 20% as required to support testing, validation, and launch activities.
• A valid Driver's License and a clean driving record are required for this position, as driving is an essential function of the role

The salary range for this role is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Xos Inc. reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skillset, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, geographic location, and other business or organizational factors. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered.

• California (Los Angeles Metropolitan): $120,000 - $160,000 annual base salary