Senior Real-Time Software Developer

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Embedded Systems · Software Engineering

In short

Emerson seeks a Senior Real-Time Software Developer in Round Rock, TX, for a hybrid role. You will build embedded firmware and user-facing applications for industrial automation systems, working across the full software stack from real-time controller firmware to workstation applications. This position requires strong C/C++ skills, knowledge of Linux/VxWorks RTOS, and experience in collaborative Agile environments, with opportunities for growth and innovation in cutting-edge development practices.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Support the authoring and review of structured software specifications, gaining hands-on experience with spec-driven development practices and AI-assisted development workflows.
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.
Write automated unit tests and contribute to system-level testing to support a healthy automation pipeline and a release-ready product.
Actively participate in team retrospectives and bring ideas for how the team can improve its processes and ways of working.
Stay curious about emerging technologies, AI development tooling, and spec-driven methodologies, and look for opportunities to apply new skills to real problems.
Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take time to understand the problem before diving into solutions.
Treat every task as a learning opportunity.
Engage openly with your teammates, actively seek feedback, and commit to continuous improvement in both your work and your craft.

Requirements

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

Desired Qualifications

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

Benefits

Market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
Variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage
Family formation benefits
Paid parental leave (maternal and paternal)
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition reimbursement
Employee resource groups
Recognition programs
Flexible time off plans, inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave

Skills

CC++LinuxVxWorksGitOpenAPIProtobufGraphQLJSON SchemaEtherNet/IPPROFINETModbus TCPOPC UAMQTT

#Software Development#Embedded Systems#Real-Time Systems#Industrial Automation#Agile#Linux#VxWorks RTOS#C++#C

About Emerson

Emerson is a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial and commercial markets. We help customers in the world’s most essential industries solve the biggest challenges of modern life. Every day, our global workforce fulfills our unified Purpose and lives out the Values we hold close as an organization: Integrity, Safety & Quality, Support Our People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: We drive innovation that makes the world…

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