Embedded Software Engineer

Job SummaryAre you an early-career embedded software engineer who knows how to work smart — including with AI? At Vontas, you'll design and build the software that keeps millions of transit passengers moving every day. This is a hands-on role where your code ships to real hardware across North American transit systems. You'll own features from design through delivery, and you'll have access to AI tools that handle the repetitive heavy lifting — so you can focus on the engineering problems that actually require your expertise.We estimate roughly 30% of deliverables in this role leverage AI assistance — things like boilerplate generation, test scaffolding, documentation drafts, and protocol research. Your job is to direct that output, validate it against real-world hardware constraints, and ship code that works.We actively encourage engineers to use AI tools to move faster and reduce toil. You won't be judged for using AI — you'll be expected to use it well.This role reports to the Senior Manager, Hardware and Platform.Job DescriptionDuties/Responsibilities: Items marked are deliverables where AI tooling typically handles a meaningful portion of the work. Your role is to prompt effectively, review critically, and own the outcome.Design and develop embedded software for mass transit vehicles — your code runs on hardware that moves people every day Leverage AI code generation tools to accelerate C++ development, then validate output against hardware specs and safety requirements Design and implement network protocols purpose-built for transit applications Work across Intel and ARM architecture environments using PCIe, USB, SATA, I²C, SPI, and other standard interfaces Use AI-assisted tools to generate unit test scaffolding and boilerplate, then review and extend coverage for edge cases Draft technical documentation and inline comments with AI assistance, then refine for accuracy and compliance Build systems with attention to power management, standalone operation, aperiodic communications, and data security Use AI tools to research and summarize protocol options and vendor documentation during design phases Participate in hardware and software design reviews and support product testing and validation Collaborate with suppliers and customers to troubleshoot and resolve component and system issues Other duties as assigned. Required Skills/AbilitiesComfort using AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) in a professional or personal project context Ability to critically review AI-generated code — you catch hallucinations, hardware mismatches, and unsafe assumptions Familiarity with Linux application and middleware development Experience writing automated unit tests — including AI-scaffolded tests you've validated and extended Familiarity with prompt engineering or structured AI workflows in a technical context preferred Education And Experience2+ years of hands-on embedded software development in C++ Minimum of 1 year of experience with Windows Script or PowerShell Minimum of 1 year of experience of working knowledge of .NET development Background in the North American transit industry preferred Experience with secure IoT device implementation and MQTT preferred Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred Physical RequirementsProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer/laptop. Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including some domestic and international trips Ability to lift up to 10 lbs and sustained keyboard/mouse use DisclaimersAll job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Vontas remains and actively participates as an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Worker TypeRegularNumber Of Openings Available1We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. *Professional recruiting agents or consultants need not call.