Software Engineer III

Chatsworth Products is seeking a Software Engineer III to develop complex embedded Linux software that supports new functionality end to end. In this role, you will work across design, analysis, validation, documentation, and release support, while also acting as a technical subject matter expert for software products under development.

What you will do

• Develop embedded Linux software using C, C++, or other selected languages in alignment with the team’s software development methodology and release process.
• Convert product-level functional requirements into OS configurations, package selections, and application-layer implementation needs.
• Lead analysis, design, and development activities, serving as technical subject matter expert for the software products you support.
• Optimize software system architecture to balance resource utilization, run-time performance, and future maintainability.
• Develop, configure, build, and maintain embedded Linux environments using Buildroot, including package selection, dependency management, and integration of required libraries, utilities, runtime daemons, and system services.
• Develop and maintain Makefile-based build systems that use Buildroot-generated cross-compilation toolchains to build and integrate application-layer software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues spanning the operating system, package management, toolchain, build infrastructure, and application layers.
• Use Git-based repository management practices for team collaboration.
• Establish and develop test plans and procedures for unit-level code and integration with hardware and other subsystems following standard QA practices.
• Contribute to design and code peer review to ensure best practices are followed.
• Provide direction, mentorship, and support to junior software engineers.
• Participate in and contribute to formal design reviews.
• Document architecture design, OS configurations, package selections, build dependencies, algorithms, data flow, and software integration procedures.
• Prepare and transfer release information to manufacturing, field service, and technical publishing.
• Provide continued technical support for customer support, field service, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.
• Communicate effectively with lead engineers, cross-functional teams, and vendors.
• Track and report the status of assigned tasks, including progress updates to the team lead and/or Core Team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Core requirements

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Knowledge and experience with C/C++, LUA, SQL databases, and Python development.
• Proficiency using AI-assisted software development tools to improve code development, debugging, refactoring, documentation, and software testing (examples include GitHub Copilot and Claude Code).
• Demonstrated experience with Buildroot or comparable embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto), including package configuration, dependency management, toolchain generation, and OS image builds.
• Strong proficiency creating and maintaining Makefile-based build systems using cross-compilation toolchains generated by Buildroot or comparable systems.
• Strong understanding of embedded Linux architecture, including system initialization, filesystem structure, process management, runtime services, daemons, and system configuration.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, configuring, and integrating Linux packages, libraries, utilities, daemons, background processes, and services to meet product requirements.
• Proficiency designing, developing, and troubleshooting software systems and algorithms that run in an embedded Linux run-time environment.
• Understanding of embedded system run-time constraints including CPU, memory, storage, performance, and software security.
• Experience with Git-based version control systems.

Preferred experience (additional)

• Experience developing and integrating software for ARM-based embedded hardware platforms such as Atmel Cortex M0+ microcontrollers or Atmel A5 and Atmel A7 processor units.
• Experience with BSPs, bootloaders (U-Boot), Linux kernel configuration, and device tree configuration.
• Experience with embedded hardware interfaces and protocols including UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, USB, CAN 2.0, and CAN-FD.
• Experience with Ethernet technologies such as 10/100/1000BASE-T and Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) standards including 10BASE-T1S and 10BASE-T1L.
• Experience coding for cyber-security regulatory requirements such as IEC 62443, plus knowledge of upcoming requirements for the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
• Experience with hardware/software integration and target hardware debugging using JTAG, SWD, or similar tools.
• Experience with automated build systems, continuous integration, and embedded release management using Jenkins or comparable platforms.

Location and work setup

• Round Rock, TX (onsite)

Physical and environmental requirements

• Works on a computer majority of the day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs to move file boxes, etc., as needed.
• Some travel may be required by automobile and airplane.

Core competencies

• Ethics, Values, Integrity & Trust: Adheres and acts in line with CPI core values.
• Functional/Technical Skills: High-level skill and knowledge in assigned functional area.
• Safety: Complies with company safety rules and regulations and proactively identifies and eliminates safety hazards.
• Customer Focus: Gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• Interpersonal Skills: Uses diplomacy, tact, and collaboration.
• Action Oriented & Adaptability: Takes initiative and acts proactively.
• Ownership & Accountability: Models, guards, and demonstrates all CPI core values.
• Priority Setting, Planning & Organizing: Uses resources effectively and efficiently.
• Problem Solving & Creativity: Applies logic and methods to solve problems and develops new ideas.
• Listening, Informing and Written Communications: Practices attentive listening, shares information, and presents ideas clearly in writing.

Technologies and tools you may use

• C, C++, LUA, SQL databases, Python, Git, Buildroot, Yocto, Makefile
• GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Jenkins
• embedded Linux, U-Boot, Linux kernel configuration, device tree configuration
• ARM-based embedded hardware, Atmel Cortex M0+, Atmel A5, Atmel A7
• UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, USB, CAN 2.0, CAN-FD
• 10/100/1000BASE-T, Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE), 10BASE-T1S, 10BASE-T1L
• JTAG, SWD
• IEC 62443, EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), Buildroot cross-compilation toolchains