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# Principal Engineer - Software

- **Company:** Microchip Technology
- **Location:** Austin, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $75,000.0 - $232,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac Systems, C++ (Programming Language), Communications Protocols, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Memory Management, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Network Interface Controllers, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Network Interface, PCI Express, QNX (Software), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, USB, VxWorks, Concurrency
- **Published:** October 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/18690763/Principal-Engineer-Software-Texas-Austin

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or master's degree in CE, EE, CS, or a related field with 10+ years relevant experience.
 * Compensation and title will be matched to the experience level.
 * Experience developing embedded software, device drivers, or low-level networking software for one or more operating systems including: Linux, QNX, Windows, macOS, or other operating systems, including RTOS platforms.
 * Strong programming skills in C/C++ and working experience with Python.
 * Knowledge of processor architectures and operating-system internals, including concurrency, interrupts, DMA, memory management, and device I/O.
 * Experience developing software for ARM or x86 platforms is preferred.
 * Knowledge of Ethernet, PCIe, USB, or other bus communication protocols is preferred.
 * Ability to read board-level schematics, support hardware and driver bring-up, and debug systems using protocol analysers, oscilloscopes, and logic analysers.
 * Strong written and verbal communication skills.
 * Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical work, collaborate effectively across geographically distributed teams, and independently adapt plans as product requirements and priorities change.

What do we offer?

 * A collaborative and engaging work environment.
 * A highly skilled, experienced engineering team.
 * International work environment and opportunities to travel.
 * Opportunities to work with leading-edge technologies.

## Description

Microchip's Network and Connectivity Solutions Group develops highly integrated Ethernet PHY, switch, and network interface controller solutions. Our teams are responsible for product definition, semiconductor design, software and driver development, reference systems, and technical customer support. This role is part of a global engineering organization with teams in the United States, Denmark, India, Taiwan, and China., As a member of the software development team in Hauppauge, New York and in Austin, Texas, you will develop, integrate, and maintain Ethernet device drivers and supporting software for Microchip USB- and PCIe-based network interface devices. You will work across operating systems such as Linux, Windows, QNX, VxWorks, and other embedded or real-time platforms, collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, validation, applications, and customer-support teams in the United States, Denmark, and India.

 * Develop a detailed understanding of Microchip USB- and PCIe-based Ethernet NIC architecture, specifications, interfaces, and use cases, and apply that knowledge during driver design, integration, debugging, and customer support.
 * Design, implement, and maintain Ethernet Network Controller device drivers and supporting tools for multiple operating systems.
 * Create design, development, and support documentation.
 * Support customer integration by reproducing system-level issues, analyzing driver, protocol, performance, and hardware interactions, identifying root causes, and delivering verified resolutions.