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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC. - **Location:** Austin, TX, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Apache HTTP Server, ARM Architecture, Microsoft Azure, Bluetooth, Booting (BIOS), UClibc (C Standard Library), Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, File Systems, Eclipse (Software), Middleware, Embedded Software, FreeRTOS, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Linux Kernel, Open Source Technology, Real-Time Operating Systems, Requirements Traceability, Software Engineering, Subsystems, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi Technology, Peripherals, Git, Build Management, Yocto, Information Technology, Build Tools, Software Version Control, Docker, Jenkins - **Published:** July 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/84AEF88EA17D405FB0E1C9B07960F58F/job/ ## About the Role * Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. Master's degree preferred. * Experience: 15+ years of software engineering experience with progressively increasing responsibility, including 5+ years in a technical leadership role. * Embedded OS Expertise: Deep hands-on experience with at least two of the following: * Linux kernel development (driver development, BSP bring-up, upstreaming) * Zephyr RTOS (architecture, device driver model, subsystem contributions) * FreeRTOS (porting, configuration, middleware integration) * Azure RTOS (ThreadX, FileX, NetX Duo, USBX) * Hardware/Software Interface: Strong understanding of ARM Cortex-A and Cortex-R/M architectures, SoC boot flows, JTAG/debug interfaces, memory-mapped peripherals, and hardware datasheet interpretation. * Middleware: Experience with embedded middleware including graphics (Wayland, LVGL), networking (TCP/IP, TLS), connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), storage, and security components. * Open-Source: Demonstrated track record of upstream contributions and compliance management (GPL/BSD/MIT/Apache licensing). * Tools & Infrastructure: Proficiency with Git, Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Buildroot, Jenkins or equivalent build systems, and Docker/containerized build environments., * Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508) as applied to embedded software. * Experience with AI/ML acceleration stacks on embedded processors (e.g., edge AI inference runtimes). * Knowledge of motor control algorithms and real-time control systems. * Prior experience working with or within semiconductor companies on MPU/MCU software enablement. * Active standing in open-source communities (e.g., kernel maintainer, Zephyr contributor). * Experience working with geographically distributed teams., The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in embedded systems, the hardware/software interface, and open-source development practices, combined with proven leadership and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration with SoC architects, product managers, and external partners. ## Description * Define and own the operating system roadmap and strategy for the Renesas RZ product family, including build-vs-buy decisions, internal development priorities, and partner-driven ports. * Oversee the enablement, porting, and upstreaming of Linux, Zephyr RTOS, FreeRTOS, and Azure RTOS across the RZ SoC portfolio (e.g., RZ/G, RZ/V, RZ/A, RZ/T series). * Drive the architecture, development, and maintenance of middleware components-including but not limited to graphics frameworks, networking stacks, security libraries, file systems, connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), motor control libraries, and multimedia codecs. * Collaborate closely with SoC architects and hardware teams to ensure silicon designs are well-supported by software, influencing decisions around IOMMU, DMA, interrupt controllers, boot ROM interfaces, and peripheral IP. * Ensure robust Board Support Package (BSP) development, device tree enablement, and driver development across all supported operating systems. * Lead upstream contribution strategies to Linux kernel, Zephyr Project, and other open-source communities, maintaining active maintainer/contributor relationships. Process & Delivery * Own the software release process for RZ OS offerings, including version management, release notes, quality assurance gates, and customer-facing documentation. * Drive open-source compliance practices, including license review, SBOM generation, and audit readiness. * Manage requirement traceability from customer/market needs through implementation and validation. * Partner with product marketing, field application engineers, and key customers to define requirements, prioritize features, and resolve escalated issues. Partnership & Stakeholder Management * Identify, establish, and manage relationships with external partners and vendors delivering OS ports, commercial support, or middleware components for RZ platforms. * Represent Renesas in relevant industry consortia and open-source foundations (e.g., Linux Foundation, Zephyr Project, Eclipse Foundation). * Engage with strategic customers to understand use-case requirements and ensure platform software meets market needs. ## Related Videos - [Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arm Architecture – Write Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/940-unleashing-the-full-potential-of-the-arm-architecture-write-once-deploy-anywhere) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Software defines the vehicle: Why customers and developers will love cars even more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1114-software-defines-the-vehicle-why-customers-and-developers-will-love-cars-even-more) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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