Embedded software engineer Jobs in Lowell, MA

Build Your Best Future with Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our Fire Detection team develops innovative life-safety technologies that help protect people and property around the world. Join us to help shape the next generation of intelligent fire detection systems.

Why Join Us?

• Architect products that protect people and property worldwide.
• Influence the technical direction of a global fire detection portfolio.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across international development centers.
• Work on connected embedded devices, cybersecurity, and next-generation life-safety technologies.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career growth opportunities.

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Embedded Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across our fire detection product portfolio. In this highly visible role, you will define software architecture, influence technology strategy, mentor engineers, and drive the development of innovative embedded solutions used globally. This position offers the opportunity to shape product direction, advance engineering excellence, and contribute to technologies that help save lives.

What You'll Impact

In this role, you'll help define the future of intelligent fire detection and life-safety systems, influence products deployed worldwide, and mentor the next generation of engineers. Your work will contribute directly to technologies that protect people, facilities, and communities across the globe.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive embedded software architecture, design standards, and development best practices.
• Lead the design and implementation of complex embedded software systems and platform technologies.
• Influence technology roadmaps and strategic engineering decisions.
• Drive software quality, reliability, cybersecurity, and maintainability across the product lifecycle.
• Perform architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, test, cybersecurity, and product management teams.
• Evaluate and introduce new technologies, tools, and development methodologies.
• Support cloud-connected and IoT-enabled product initiatives.
• Contribute hands-on expertise to critical development, debugging, and troubleshooting activities.
• Help drive continuous improvement of engineering processes and development practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in embedded software architecture and complex system design.
• Deep understanding of microcontrollers, hardware/software interfaces, and embedded system design.
• 8+ years experience with embedded architectures, RTOS, and Embedded Linux.
• Expert proficiency in C and C++.
• Experience with communication protocols including Ethernet, TCP/IP, CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, and USB.
• Experience with Git-based version control environments.
• Strong debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in Agile development environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience developing safety-critical or regulated products.
• Knowledge of embedded cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices.
• Experience with cloud-connected and IoT-enabled devices.
• Experience leading software architecture across multiple product platforms.
• Experience working with globally distributed engineering teams.

SALARY RANGE: $110,000 - 162,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.