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Principal 1, Embedded Software Engineer

Alcon Research


Job Location:

Lake Forest, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 13 September 2026 (6 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 11 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

This is an onsite based position based out of our Lake Forest California Office:

At Alcon were passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25000 associates we innovate fearlessly champion progress and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us

This role is part of Alcons Information Technology function a team that delivers cutting-edge technology solutions to Alcon associates and customers to help our people and the world see brilliantly. The Principal I Embedded Software Engineer is primarily responsible for leading the design and development of software solutions leveraging advanced technical expertise to influence engineering teams and the broader organization

In this role you will work on challenging embedded projects applying your skills to design develop integrate and test computer-controlled electromechanical devices in a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) environment. You will contribute to software risk management by writing software design and test documentation which thoroughly cover software requirements to ensure our products are safe for use on millions of patients and in compliance with regulations worldwide. As a member of our team you will work with the latest technologies and software development principles using your embedded microcontroller experience in C and C programming languages. You will also apply your knowledge of embedded analysis simulation and debug tools to troubleshoot multi-threaded applications and communication peripherals. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the anatomy physiology and pathology of the eye as our work is focused on developing medical devices for this field.

In this role a typical day will include:

  • Lead the design and implementation of complex software solutions.
  • Provide technical guidance to engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.
  • Collaborate with product management and business leaders to ensure software solutions meet business needs.
  • Ensure best practices are followed and optimize development processes.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve the software development lifecycle.
  • Lead high-impact engineering projects and drive technical direction for the software engineering team.
  • Contribute to the companys ability to deliver innovative and high-quality software.
  • Make key technical decisions on software design architecture and engineering strategies.
  • Act as a subject-matter expert and provide guidance on complex technical challenges.
  • Associates adhere to GxP regulations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and on the job training.
  • Associatesare responsible for meeting their individual job requirements and contributing to the overall compliance of the organization. Compliance with regulatory requirements and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to our operations.

Key Requirements/Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school 13 yrs.
  • Assoc.9 yrs.; M.S.2 yrs.; PhD0 yrs.)
  • The ability to fluently read write understand and communicate in English
  • 5 Years of Relevant Experience

Preferred Requirements:

  • Proficiency in C /C targeting embedded Microcontrollers (Example: ST STM32 NXP or similar).
  • Understanding of electronic circuitry and ability to read schematics as applicable to design and debugging efforts.
  • Experience with board bring up and interfacing with on and off chip peripherals such as SPI CAN UART I2C Ethernet ADCs and DACs.
  • Strong debugging skills at component-level designs on the PCBA or within an integrated product.
  • Proficiency using simulation and debug tools (ex: CANoe Lauterbach).
  • Proficiency using lab equipment (logic analyzers in-circuit emulators oscilloscopes and DVMs) to debug and troubleshoot designs.
  • Proficient knowledge of embedded software architecture and design patterns.
  • Proficient with RTOS (CMX ThreadX or similar) and RTOS based applications and multi-threaded applications.
  • Proficient in creating bootloaders application code device drivers for embedded boards.
  • Proficient at writing supporting design and test documentation for embedded systems.

How to Thrive at Alcon:

  • Manage your own workload and schedule while hitting your set targets.
  • Build positive working relationships to achieve positive goals and business objectives.
  • Alcon provides robust benefits package including health life retirement flexible time off for exempt associates and much more!

Alcon Careers

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Compensation and Benefits

Alcons Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives support our values and deliver longterm value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay with shortterm and longterm incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events including programs that promote health and wellbeing provide financial security and support retirement planning.

The salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience skills location and internal equity and may fall outside the posted range.

Pay Range

128350.00 - 166100.00

Pay Frequency

Annual

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment hiring training promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race color religion gender national origin age sexual orientation gender identity marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position please send an email to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.


Required Experience:

Staff IC


About Company

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Our mission is to provide innovative vision products that enhance quality of life by helping people see better. From vision research to eye health, learn more at Alcon.com.

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