Embedded Software Engineer (Lighting)
The Embedded Software Engineer will develop and integrate advanced lighting systems for Confidential Client vehicle platforms, focusing on software development in C for both exterior and interior lighting. This role involves implementing creative lighting features, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborating across teams to enhance vehicle simulation and diagnostics. The position requires end-to-end ownership of lighting features from design through testing, contributing to the advancement of sophisticated electric vehicle technologies.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Software Development.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring an Embedded Software Engineer (Lighting) to design, implement, test, and integrate lighting features for vehicle platforms. You will own features end-to-end — from design reviews and embedded C implementation to SIL/HIL testing, vehicle-level validation, and tooling to visualize and automate lighting animations.
- Develop embedded software in C/C++ for exterior and interior lighting systems on automotive platforms.
- Implement creative lighting features and graphics/animation sequences for events and product releases.
- Implement safety- and regulation-related requirements for lighting across North America and Europe.
- Create unit tests, SIL (Software-in-the-Loop) tests, and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) test scripts and automate test workflows.
- Build and maintain desktop tooling (JavaScript / Rust / full-stack) to visualize lighting animations and support development.
- Apply AI and automation to speed up development workflows and feature deliveries.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create simulation models and platforms for analysis, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Conduct design reviews, integrate features into controller code bases, and design diagnostic interfaces.
- Test software on vehicles/prototypes, support feature calibration, and resolve production/prototype issues.
- Contribute to engineering initiatives that elevate electric vehicle software and user experience.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automotive Systems, or a related field.
- Minimum ~1 year experience in automotive control systems or embedded software engineering.
- Strong proficiency in C and C++; Python experience valued.
- Experience or familiarity with model-based design tools (Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow).
- Experience creating tests for Unit, SIL, and HIL environments.
- Familiarity with desktop tooling stacks (JavaScript, Rust, or similar) to enable visualization and tooling.
- Experience with student competitions (BAJA, FSAE) is a plus.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and hands-on creativity; manual fabrication skills considered a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% as required.
Compensation & Rewards
- Compensation Range: $107,000 - $147,050 (base annual).
- This full-time role may be eligible for an annual performance bonus (discretionary) and equity awards (RSUs) subject to plan terms and approvals.
- Comprehensive benefits for full-time employees, including health coverage, retirement savings, paid time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country.
Location & Logistics
- Job location: Irvine, CA (on-site / hybrid as required by the Confidential Client).
- Travel: up to 20% travel may be required for testing, integration, or collaboration.
- Note: Applicants must be able to work in the U.S. per applicable immigration and employment laws.
Why Join
- Work on next-generation automotive lighting systems at the intersection of software, AI, and vehicle systems.
- Own features end-to-end and help shape the user experience of electric vehicles.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to innovative simulation and tooling efforts.
Other Notes
- This posting represents an open, active vacancy.
- Confidential Client is committed to accessible hiring processes. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please request it through the contact method provided by the hiring workflow.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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