Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

Fulltime

Summary

The Principal Software Engineer will be responsible for the research, analysis, design, development, testing, debugging and modification of software used in the electronics equipment such as VFMDs (Variable Frequency Motor Drives) for vacuum generators and air compressors (ACIM/BLDC), AC/DC Power Converters (3-Φ), 28V DC Valve Controllers, and W&W System Controllers for commercial aerospace industry.

The Principal Software Engineer will take ownership and/or support technical engineering teams and projects related to W&W System Components. Using sound engineering principles, this engineer will interface with cross functional groups (internal and external) to ensure robust, airworthy designs are attained which meet budget, schedule and internal requirements and goals. This leadership position will be responsible for participating in and leading improvement activities at a group and company level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced control algorithms for power electronic applications

• Develop control system software requirements to write embedded code for 3-phase Active Rectifier, Motor Control electronics

• Contributes to system design and independently develops subsystem designs that meet the requirements. Considers tradeoffs between requirements, cost and reliability in the choice of a design approach

• Test/debug power electronics controllers, Source and assembly level debugging 

• Optimize software performance by working with control system engineers

• Work with suppliers to review control software design.

• Lead or support software design review activities. Interface with vendors, customers and other departments on technical issues

• Independently owns, or leads a team for small/medium size software development. 

• Reviews, checks and approves work done by peers and lower level engineers. 

• Provides guidance and training to lower level engineers. 

• Assesses standard work and support or lead improvement projects. 

• Understands how various groups (engineering, industrialization, operations) work together and is able to navigate through the company.

• Analyze customer requirements and validate them by analysis/modeling/prototyping or based on existing product performance

• Create software requirements specification and hardware/software interface control documents

• Create verification plan for validating product compliance to requirements

• Able to interface independently with technical analysts to define the software design

• Able to interface independently with existing and/or new suppliers and OEMs 

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Hands on programming skills in programming languages such as C/C , VHDL/Verilog and/or scripting languages such as Perl/Python or Power Shell

• Knowledge in embedded systems architecture and programming

• Programming skills in LabVIEW

• Programming skills for developing firmware on TMS320F28XX DSP, PIC16XX, MC68XXX or X86 DSPs/Microcontrollers 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical – Experience and knowledge in complex embedded software architecture and design. Knowledge and understanding of active rectifiers, PFC, inverter and motor control software design.

• Design – Design knowledge of CAN, ARIN429, I2C, SPI, RS232 software modules

• Technical Skills – Ability to use simulation tools such as PSIM/MATLAB/Simulink.

• Interpersonal Skills – Possess a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Ability to communicate and ability to work in a team environment. Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.

• Hands on experience of using electronics equipment such as programmable power supplies, high speed digital oscilloscopes, logic analyzers etc.

• Design & develop instrumentation capabilities for product electrical parameter characterization and validation

• Design level understanding of communication protocols such as CAN, ARINC, SPI, RS-232 etc.

• Experience in aerospace regulations such as RTCA/DO-160/D0-178 and RTCA/DO-254 guidelines

• Knowledge in major aerospace OEM electronics design guidelines

• Possess a strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Ability to communicate, ability to work in a team environment. Ability to provide leadership to other members of the engineering team

• Experience in using design/simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink etc.,

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience - 

• Bachelors  or Masters or PhD Degree in electrical or computer engineering from a recognized ABET accredited institution or equivalent

• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical or computer engineering with 8 years of software design experience in aerospace industry

• Master’s Degree in electrical or computer engineering with 6  years of software design experience in aerospace industry

• PhD Degree in electrical or computer engineering with 3  years of software design experience in aerospace industry