Principal Field Application Engineer - Auto MCU

Job Title

Principal Field Application Engineer - Auto MCU

Role Summary

As Principal Field Application Engineer specializing in automotive microcontrollers (MCUs), you will be the primary technical interface to OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and ecosystem partners. You will provide technical support, drive MCU design-in, and advise on system-level architectures for Software-Defined Vehicle and AI-Defined Vehicle programs.

Experience Level

Senior — requires 7+ years in FAE, applications engineering, or design engineering with a strong focus on automotive MCUs.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership across pre-sales, development, and post-sales activities.

• Deliver customer-facing technical support and system-level consulting for automotive MCU platforms.
• Guide hardware and software integration, including Ethernet TSN, CAN-FD, and on-chip security (HSE/HSM).
• Support system bring-up: boot configuration, multi-core initialization, and AUTOSAR MCAL or real-time driver integration.
• Perform demonstrations, proof-of-concept evaluations, and technical training for customers and partners.
• Drive escalation and issue management with internal teams to resolve complex technical problems.
• Advise on zonal gateway, virtualization, and ECU consolidation strategies for SDV programs.
• Travel to customer sites for meetings and technical training as required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and professional capabilities.

• 7+ years in FAE, applications engineering, or design engineering focused on automotive MCUs.
• Experience with embedded systems design and ARM Cortex-M/R/A architectures.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and common development tools (IDEs, debuggers, compilers).
• Experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, PX5, or AUTOSAR OS) and embedded development methodologies.
• Knowledge of AUTOSAR MCAL configuration and integration.
• Proficiency with debugging tools (JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Strong communication and presentation skills; able to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Good English verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of automotive MCU security implementation is a plus.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.