Sr. Software Automotive Engineer - Motor Control

About the role

We are seeking a Software Automotive Engineer with strong expertise in traction inverter and e-motor control software for next-generation electrified propulsion systems. The role focuses on architecture, implementation, integration, and validation of embedded control software for high-performance, safety-critical automotive applications. The ideal candidate combines deep control-domain knowledge (FOC, torque/speed/current control, modulation, diagnostics, and protection) with strong automotive software engineering practices aligned with ASPICE and ISO 26262.

Available Locations: Deer Park, IL or Auburn Hills, MI

Responsibilities

• Define and implement software architecture and component design for inverter and motor control functions (torque control, current control, speed estimation, start-up, derating, and limp-home strategies).
• Develop and optimize embedded control algorithms for MCU targets with deterministic real-time performance and production-level robustness.
• Translate vehicle and system requirements into software requirements, architecture elements, and implementable designs with full bidirectional traceability.
• Design and maintain interfaces across application software, BSW/MCAL, diagnostics, and communication stacks (CAN/LIN/Ethernet).
• Support model-based development and production auto-code integration workflows (MATLAB/Simulink) where applicable.
• Define and execute software verification strategies, including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, bench validation, and integration regression testing.
• Support DV/PV activities and production readiness milestones by resolving issues found in integration, validation, and launch phases.
• Perform root-cause analysis for functional, timing, calibration, and field issues; drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with controls, calibration, systems, hardware, and vehicle integration teams across global sites.
• Contribute to coding standards, reusable architecture patterns, and mentoring of junior engineers (for senior profile).
• Develop software in compliance with ASPICE SWE process areas and quality work products.
• Contribute to ISO 26262 safety lifecycle activities (for example HARA inputs, safety requirements, Technical Safety Concept implementation, and safety mechanism verification).
• Support ASIL-oriented development and evidence generation, including FMEA/FMEDA contributions and safety case inputs.
• Apply defensive coding and quality practices such as MISRA-C compliance, static analysis, and structured peer reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years (Senior) of automotive embedded software experience, including direct work on inverter and/or motor control functions.
• Strong understanding of control theory and practical implementation of FOC, PI/PID loops, coordinate transformations, PWM/SVPWM, and observer/estimator concepts.
• Proficiency in embedded C for production software in resource-constrained microcontroller environments.
• Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis, and optimization on automotive MCU platforms (for example, Infineon AURIX, NXP, Renesas, TI).
• Hands-on experience with calibration and measurement tools (for example, CANape, INCA, ETAS toolchain, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Working knowledge of AUTOSAR concepts, automotive diagnostics (UDS), and network communication protocols.
• Experience with requirements and traceability tools (for example DOORS, Polarion, Jama) and issue/version control tools (for example Git, Jira).
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automated test/reporting workflows for embedded software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Full Systems scope engineering approach with high attention to detail in safety-critical implementation.
• Ownership mindset with the ability to balance innovation, robustness, and delivery commitments.
• Effective collaboration in global, multidisciplinary development teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-voltage inverter systems, SiC-based power stages, and advanced thermal/protection strategies.
• Knowledge of motor types and control nuances (PMSM, IM, resolver, and sensorless approaches).
• Experience in software architecture leadership for multi-core ECU platforms.
• Exposure to cybersecurity requirements for connected powertrain controllers (ISO/SAE 21434).
• Experience supporting vehicle integration, SOP readiness, and launch stabilization.
• Experience with static analysis tools and coding rule enforcement (for example Polyspace, QAC, Coverity, or equivalent).

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and 401k eligible with up to 6% company match
• Regular employee appreciation and company events

Please see all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits