Senior Real-Time Software Developer

Senior Real-Time Software Developer

Job Description

Are you a software engineer who is excited by the challenge of building both embedded firmware and user-facing applications that power industrial automation systems? Emerson has an exciting opportunity for you.

We are looking for curious, motivated engineers who enjoy working across the full software stack, from real-time controller firmware running on Linux and VxWorks RTOS to workstation applications used by engineers to configure, program, visualize, and manage industrial automation systems. Based in Austin, Texas, you will join a diverse community and work as a contributing member of a cross-functional Agile team focused on the development of Emerson's PACSystems technologies.

PACSystems is trusted by leading companies across discrete and hybrid manufacturing industries to safely and reliably control critical processes. In this role, you will contribute to both the embedded controller platform and the engineering software tools that interact with PACSystems controllers. Your work may include PLC programming capabilities, deterministic control execution, industrial communications, diagnostics, configuration, visualization, and management workflows used in demanding industrial environments.

You will contribute to the design and development of next-generation PACSystems software capabilities across embedded and workstation layers. Our work includes C and C++ software development, real-time distributed computing, Linux and VxWorks RTOS environments, workstation application development, and systems where timing, reliability, usability, and predictable behavior are critical. Our team also embraces modern development practices, including automated testing, AI-assisted development, and spec-driven methods that improve quality and reduce ambiguity.

You will be part of an organization led by leaders who are deeply committed to technical excellence, Agile principles, mentorship, and building an environment where engineers do their best work. If you are looking for a role where you can grow quickly, contribute meaningfully, and be part of something that has lasting real-world impact, we want to hear from you.

IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL:

• Collaborate - Contribute to a creative team atmosphere, participate in code reviews, and actively engage in Agile activities such as sprint planning and retrospectives. Take part in Hackathons, Tech Talks, and Communities of Practice with like-minded engineers.
• Learn from Domain Experts - Work alongside experienced engineers, product managers, and subject matter experts in industrial automation to build your understanding of the domain and learn how real-world requirements translate into software.
• Contribute to Specifications - Support the authoring and review of structured software specifications, gaining hands-on experience with spec-driven development practices and AI-assisted development workflows.
• Innovate - Write software using modern tools, frameworks, and AI-enabled development practices. Learn to apply spec-driven methodologies to improve quality, reduce ambiguity, and accelerate your own delivery.
• Automate - Write automated unit tests and contribute to system-level testing to support a healthy automation pipeline and a release-ready product.
• Iterate - Actively participate in team retrospectives and bring ideas for how the team can improve its processes and ways of working.
• Tech Savvy — Stay curious about emerging technologies, AI development tooling, and spec-driven methodologies, and look for opportunities to apply new skills to real problems.
• Always Curious — Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take time to understand the problem before diving into solutions. Treat every task as a learning opportunity.
• Team Obsessed — Engage openly with your teammates, actively seek feedback, and commit to continuous improvement in both your work and your craft.

WHO YOU ARE: You enjoy solving complex technical problems and learning how software, hardware, networks, and industrial control systems work together. You are comfortable moving between low-level firmware development and higher-level workstation application software. You are naturally curious, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.

FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline plus 5+ years of experience; or Master's degree plus 3+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of embedded software development using C and C++
• Basic understanding of Linux and/or VxWorks RTOS concepts, including real-time execution, concurrency, memory management, and debugging
• Strong problem-solving skills and a genuine desire to understand complex, distributed control systems
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
• Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART:

• Experience in embedded firmware development, real-time systems, or controller/runtime software
• Familiarity with PLCs, industrial automation, process control, or discrete and hybrid manufacturing environments
• Exposure to real-time distributed computing, deterministic scheduling, time-critical communications, or high-reliability control systems
• Familiarity with industrial Ethernet and industrial internet protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or MQTT
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git
• Exposure to automated testing, CI pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or system-level firmware validation
• Experience with AI-assisted and spec-driven development workflows, including the use of structured specification languages such as OpenAPI, Protobuf, GraphQL schemas, or JSON Schema to drive code generation, validation, and AI-assisted implementation

Our Culture & Commitment to You

We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce, we must focus on employee wellbeing. We know that to do your best work, you must have flexible, competitive benefit plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, family formation benefits in addition to paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Our goal is to offer a strong benefits foundation while allowing employees the flexibility to choose options that best suit their needs.

At Emerson, we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.

This philosophy is fundamental to living our company’s values and our responsibility to leave the world in a better place. Learn more about our Culture & Values and about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Emerson.

Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to-end development, from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training.

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About Us

WHY EMERSON

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently.