Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Software Design

Job Title

Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Software Design

Role Summary

The Principal Software Engineer will lead architecture and implementation of middleware frameworks and device drivers for ADAS/AD, Gateway, and Cockpit/IVI solutions based on Renesas SoCs. The role is part of the Engineering organization in Kodaira and involves delivering reference software, demos, and customer-facing technical solutions.

Works closely with cross-functional teams and global customers to define requirements, validate designs, and promote solutions. The position follows a hybrid work model with two remote days per week and in-office collaboration mid-week.

Experience Level

Senior — minimum 15 years of professional software development experience (automotive or embedded systems preferred).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Define system and software architecture; design middleware frameworks and device drivers for SoC-based ADAS/AD, Gateway, and Cockpit/IVI platforms.
• Write and maintain requirements for middleware and drivers; lead implementation, integration, verification and validation from module to full-system level.
• Develop demos and reference implementations; demonstrate and promote software to customers worldwide.
• Conduct market and technology research to propose new solutions and improvements.
• Engage in global customer discussions and technical collaborations.
• Lead, mentor, and onboard engineering team members, including new graduates; take ownership of delivery and schedules.

Requirements

Key technical must-haves and expectations:

• 15+ years of professional software development experience, preferably in embedded or automotive domains.
• Proficient in C++14/17 and familiar with parallel computing and heterogeneous processors (DSP, NPU, GPU).
• Experience designing and implementing image/video processing pipelines and working with camera/display standards (e.g., MIPI-CSI2, serializers/deserializers, KMS/DRM, Wayland, V4L2, libcamera, GStreamer, SurfaceFlinger).
• Experience with Linux, Android, QNX, and FreeRTOS in cross-platform embedded systems and their standard frameworks and IPC mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of OS resource management, IPC, multi-core/multi-process scheduling, memory management (SMMU/IOMMU), and freedom-from-interference concepts.
• Familiarity with automotive software development processes and standards: ISO 26262, Automotive SPICE, CMMI, and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Proven ability to work independently, lead complex designs, and mentor teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Renesas platforms.
• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken).

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electronics, Telecommunications, Mechatronics, Automation, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics (Computer Science), Physics (Electronics or Computer Science), or a related technical field, as stated in the source posting.

About the Company

Company: Renesas

Headquarters: Hitachinaka, Japan

Renesas is a global leader in embedded semiconductor solutions, providing high-quality products across automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT sectors. With over 22,000 employees in more than 30 countries, the company focuses on scalable solutions that enhance user experience and drive innovation while committed to sustainability and energy efficiency.