Principal Embedded Software Engineer

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About the Role

We seek a skilled and motivated Principal Embedded Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded software development and audio technology and a passion for crafting high-quality audio experiences. This role involves defining software platforms, developing the technical roadmap, creating innovative solutions, and collaborating with project teams to deliver exceptional audio solutions.

Your Team

You will be working with the technology platforms team as an individual contributor.
What You Will Do

As the Principal Software Embedded Engineer, you will design and own the software architecture and framework for audio products, collaborating with the team to meet goals for time, quality, and cost. You will stay updated on the latest Wi-Fi and connectivity technologies while working with other professionals to define technical requirements for software systems, particularly for Wi-Fi connectivity components. Please note this is a customer-facing role where you will be gathering requirements directly from customers, translating them into clear definitions with acceptance criteria, and occasionally constructing customer demos to showcase solutions. You will also provide technical guidance to the team, ensuring the software meets standards for quality, security, modifiability, extensibility, and certification.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in gathering requirements directly from customers, translating them into clear definitions with acceptance criteria, and occasionally constructing customer demos to showcase solution.
• 8+ years of hands-on development experience in driver / middleware / application based on embedded Linux systems in the Consumer Electronic industry,
• Proficient with programming C/C++. Familiarity with audio codecs, streaming protocols, and audio file formats.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software architecture design, specializing in translating high-level customer needs into detailed, actionable product requirement definitions and functional specifications.
• Proven experience in audio software and hardware platform development. Experience with real-time audio processing libraries and frameworks. Knowledge of audio hardware interfaces (e.g., I2S, SPDIF, USB, HDMI).
• Deep knowledge of communication protocols between services, such as WebSocket, MQTT, and Bonefish

What is Nice to Have

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, or a related field
• Overall 15+ years of engineering experience with 5+ years of technical management
• Experience with machine learning techniques applied to audio.
• Multi-radio coexistence management experience. Understanding of IEEE 802.11 family specification, Wi-Fi4/5/6 technologies, and Wi-Fi AP / P2 / Station functions and profiles.
• Skilled in designing and implementing breadboard hardware prototypes, integrating analog and digital circuits with embedded processors for rapid prototyping and system development.
• Proficient in PCBA-level diagnostics and fault analysis, including debugging and performance optimization of complex hardware systems.
• Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to engage with partners, whether customers or vendors at a strategic level

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 15%, domestic and international travel.
• Be open to working in the Northridge, CA office (hybrid option available; flexibility to come into the office on short notice when needed is appreciated).
• Successfully able to complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

• Competitive wellness benefits and 401K Retirement Savings plan.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities.
• Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work-life integration and collaboration in a global environment.
• Professional development opportunities are available through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies and extensive course catalog.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class HARMAN products (JBL, Harman/Kardon, etc.).
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.

$ 129,750 - $ 190,300

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.