Walid is available for hire
Hire WalidWalid Kadry Helal
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Toptal member since February 3, 2021
Bio
Walid has been a software engineer, specializing in embedded software development since 2006. He has delivered projects in automotive (AUTOSAR and ISO 26262), smart devices (protocol converters), smart metering, and mobile communication domains. Walid has led projects and built products through all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, software architecture, development, and testing.
Portfolio
GWave
OpenWRT, Buildroot, C, Linux, Bash Script, CI/CD Pipelines, WiFi
Woven
Functional Safety, C++, Python, Ubuntu Linux, Firmware, CAN Bus...
Woven
Embedded C++, Functional Safety, C++, AUTOSAR, Bazel, CMake, C, Python, Docker...
Experience
- Real-time Operating System (RTOS) - 15 years
- Software Design - 12 years
- Software Analysis - 11 years
- Analytics - 7 years
- AUTOSAR - 5 years
- ISO 26262 - 5 years
- Automotive - 5 years
- Smart Meters - 2 years
Preferred Environment
Ubuntu Linux, Windows
The most amazing...
...recognition I've received was for outstanding (highest) performance at Intel and for adding a feature at Quicktel to compete with Huawei.
Work Experience
Senior Technical Lead
2025 - PRESENT
GWave
- Customized OpenWRT and build system, adding a unified password feature for boot and normal modes and improving build visibility to track image file inclusion.
- Adapted Qualcomm QSDK and GPIO configurations to align with Gwave hardware design, ensuring reliable integration and hardware functionality.
- Optimized the Linux init process and CI/CD workflows, integrating Gwave-specific applications, tuning startup sequences, and automating builds through GitLab pipelines.
Technologies: OpenWRT, Buildroot, C, Linux, Bash Script, CI/CD Pipelines, WiFi
Automotive Software Expert
2024 - 2025
Woven
- Participated in the evaluation and benchmark team, evaluating current products on the market, including ARENE products, and delivering official reports that informed strategic decisions.
- Conducted evaluations of automotive tools such as CodeBeamer, Android, and Bosch Motorsport ECUs, as well as evaluated operating systems and their features, providing insights that enhanced team performance and product development.
- Designed and built an embedded evaluation system based on Renesas RH850 and Raspberry Pi, supporting internal evaluation use cases and enabling the assessment of software integration with other system components.
- Delivered comprehensive analysis and benchmarking data that guided product and system improvements, ensuring alignment with industry standards and requirements.
Technologies: Functional Safety, C++, Python, Ubuntu Linux, Firmware, CAN Bus, Automotive Ethernet, Architecture, MCU, ARM Architecture, Embedded Linux, CANbus, Vector CANalyzer, Automotive SPICE
Senior Technical Lead
2023 - 2024
Woven
- Led the development of a simulation product for ECUs (electronic control units) and their communication networks, enabling effective Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) testing and smooth transitions to Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems.
- Defined and documented architecture requirements for network simulation features, including CAN and SOME/IP protocols, using JAMA to ensure alignment with industry standards.
- Developed and implemented network simulation features to create accurate and reliable testing environments, supporting the validation of complex communication scenarios.
- Designed a network tracer tool to monitor and analyze communication within the simulation, providing insights that enhanced debugging processes and performance evaluation.
- Ensured the simulator adhered to automotive standards and integrated seamlessly with diverse testing frameworks.
- Leveraged C++ and Python for application development and utilized Docker to create containerized environments, streamlining deployment and scalability.
Technologies: Embedded C++, Functional Safety, C++, AUTOSAR, Bazel, CMake, C, Python, Docker, Linux, Ubuntu Linux, Firmware, CAN Bus, Automotive Ethernet, Architecture, Automotive Design, gRPC, System Architecture, System Architecture Design, MCU, Embedded Linux, CANbus, Firmware Development, CI/CD Pipelines, Protocol Analysis
Embedded Software Engineer | Autosar Adaptive Engineer
2022 - 2023
Woven Alpha - Func Safety
- Contributed to the evaluation and analysis of ARENE products, providing actionable recommendations that enhanced performance and usability.
- Led the development of AUTOSAR Adaptive applications using C++, creating scalable and robust solutions aligned with industry standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve system-level challenges, ensuring project milestones were met and safety compliance maintained.
- Improved development workflows through Python automation and optimized build processes with Bazel and CMake for seamless integration.
- Strengthened software safety architecture through strategic initiatives, supporting organizational goals and ISO 26262 compliance.
Technologies: Functional Safety, C++, Embedded C++, AUTOSAR, Linux, Docker, Python, C, Bazel, CMake, Ubuntu Linux, Firmware, CAN Bus, Automotive Ethernet, Architecture, Automotive Design, System Architecture, System Architecture Design, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, Embedded Linux, CANbus, Systems Engineering, Firmware Development, Automotive SPICE
Senior Chief Engineer
2017 - 2021
Valeo
- Served as a software architect on two electrical machine projects in the power train systems (PTS) department: an electrical-driven compressor (EDC) and an integrated belt starter generator (iBSG).
- Built the architecture for a platform reused by 10+ other projects to deliver customer-specific projects. Four of them are in production and others are under development.
- Developed a static architecture based on AUTOSAR stacks: NvM, Watchdog, and Communication.
- Built a robust, dynamic architecture on a multi-core processor that was flexible for reuse in other projects.
- Developed a safety architecture that complied with ISO 26262. The architecture was based on software decomposition with restricted freedom from interference.
- Built an architecture that complied with all Automotive Spice SWE.2 requirements.
- Wrote a high-quality document on software architecture, using technical writing best practices.
- Strengthened system and hardware requirements through deep analysis and review, which helped avoid many future issues.
- Improved the development process by proposing and implementing modifications for templates and checklists.
- Became certified as an architecture reviewer for Valeo PTS projects.
Technologies: AUTOSAR, Automotive, Software Design, Requirements Analysis, ISO 26262, Windows, C, Git, Subversion (SVN), Embedded C, Embedded Software, Embedded Controllers, Microcontroller Programming, Customer Support, Customer Satisfaction, Real-time Embedded Systems, Software Architecture, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Embedded Development, Functional Safety, Firmware, Electronics, CAN Bus, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Architecture, Automotive Design, System Architecture, System Architecture Design, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, I2C, GPIOs, Motor Control Systems, CANbus, Vector CANalyzer, Systems Engineering, Device Drivers, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analysis, On-board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), Bootloaders, Automotive Electronic Diagnostics, Automotive SPICE
Senior Team Leader
2014 - 2017
Valeo
- Served on the adaptive front light system (AFS) team in the visibility and lighting system (VLS) department. The AFS team owns the leveler, dynamic bending light, and adaptive driving beam functionalities.
- Managed team members, conducting performance appraisal meetings and setting annual objectives.
- Built my team from five to 23 members, based on a hierarchical team structure.
- Inherited and managed multiple projects in different phases of product development.
- Managed the matrix beam product, one of the newest products in Valeo's adaptive driving beam product suite.
Technologies: Automotive, AUTOSAR, ISO 26262, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Conflict Resolution, People Management, Customer Support, Customer Satisfaction, Team Management, Windows, C, Git, Subversion (SVN), Requirements Analysis, Embedded C, Embedded Controllers, Embedded Software, Real-time Embedded Systems, Software Analysis, Microcontroller Programming, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Embedded Development, Functional Safety, Firmware, Electronics, CAN Bus, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Architecture, Automotive Design, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, I2C, GPIOs, Motor Control Systems, CANbus, Vector CANalyzer, Firmware Development, Device Drivers, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analysis, On-board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), Bootloaders, Automotive Electronic Diagnostics, Automotive SPICE
R&D Component Expert | Technical Supervisor
2012 - 2014
Intel
- Co-developed the long term evolution (LTE) protocol stack (user equipment) for Intel mobile chips.
- Specialized in the E-RRC layer (connected mode), according to the evolving 3GPP standard (36 series).
- Improved the bug rate and reduced it to almost zero in less than three months after taking on the responsibility.
- Ensured that applications were in accordance with quality measures and recommended ways to increase the quality and integrity of development by maintaining code quality and reviewing all committed issues on the main line.
- Received an outstanding performance rating (the highest) in my first annual performance review at Intel.
Technologies: Long-term Evolution (LTE), Real-time Operating System (RTOS), ThreadX, Software Design, Analytics, Software Analysis, IBM Rational ClearCase, Git, Team Management, Real-time Embedded Systems, C, Ubuntu, Requirements Analysis, Embedded C, Embedded Controllers, Embedded Software, Software Architecture, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Embedded Development, LTE (Telecommunication), Firmware, Electronics, Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, Firmware Development, Protocol Analysis
Embedded Software Team Leader (R&D)
2010 - 2012
Emg
- Managed the embedded software team on several projects simultaneously, each running at a different phase, including the three-phase AMM meter, concentrator, and bus controller projects.
- Tracked and led the embedded software team members and followed up on their work.
- Built a smart meter platform, with complete project documentation, that served many tenders.
- Used Bugzilla tracking software to organize and report on software projects.
- Applied configuration management methods to organize the team's work and code.
- Produced project plans for software development projects in accordance with PMP guidelines.
- Ensured that applications were in accordance with the department’s quality measures and recommended ways to increase the quality and integrity of development.
- Collaborated with the software development team to ensure interoperability between software and firmware components.
Technologies: Embedded C, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Smart Meters, Team Management, Conflict Resolution, Debugging, Requirements Analysis, Atmel, Analytics, Modbus Protocol, AT Commands, GPRS, C, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support, Embedded Controllers, Embedded Development, Software Analysis, Real-time Embedded Systems, Windows, Landline Architecture, Microcontroller Programming, People Management, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Software Architecture, Software Design, Subversion (SVN), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), PCB Design, Firmware, Electronics, RS-232, Serial Communication, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Embedded Hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, STM32, STM32F4, I2C, GPIOs, Firmware Development, Device Drivers, FreeRTOS, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analysis, Bootloaders, Automotive Electronic Diagnostics
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
2006 - 2010
QuickTel
- Contributed to every stage of the software lifecycle: investigation, prototype, design, code, unit testing, performance tuning, documentation, support, and enhancement.
- Customized Qualcomm CDMA module software to fit with the QuickTel hardware design. The Qualcomm software size is around 1,450 files of .c and .h files.
- Designed, developed, and implemented Qualcomm's fixed wireless terminal based on the CDMA module. This involved creating a new task in REX OS (the Qualcomm operation system) and an SPI peripheral on GPIOs where SPI is needed to communicate with SLIC.
- Enhanced existing product features, performed integration testing with third-party equipment, and debugged related interoperability issues.
- Addressed embedded software issues related to product performance throughout the product development cycle.
Technologies: AT Commands, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Atmel, Landline Architecture, Embedded Software, Embedded C, Software Design, Subversion (SVN), Microcontroller Programming, Windows, C++, Analytics, C, Customer Satisfaction, Real-time Embedded Systems, Customer Support, Debugging, Embedded Controllers, Embedded Development, Embedded Systems, GPRS, Software Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Firmware, Electronics, RS-232, Serial Communication, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Embedded Hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, MCU, I2C, GPIOs, Firmware Development, Device Drivers, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analysis
Experience
Fixed Wireless Terminal
A CDMA/GSM to landline converter based on the Qualcomm chip with REX RTOS. An external SLIC is used to interface landline phones.
As the senior software, I overcame all the software difficulties to reach production safely, and I received a special bonus because I added a new feature that made our product more advanced than the Huawei product.
Ten years ago, a SIM card was always locked by a default PIN when you used it the first time. A fixed wireless terminal (FWT) doesn't have a user interface, but the Huawei user manual instructed users to put the SIM in mobile for the first use to unlock its PIN before using it in the FWT.
I added a new feature to enhance this point and allow the user to unlock the SIM using the FWT directly without first using a mobile. The new feature is based on using the audio player in the Qualcomm chip to guide the user through a recorded voice message. The voice message is played from the Qualcomm chip and routed to SLIC interfaces to pass it to the landline phone when the user picks up the phone to make a call.
See product details: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Etross-fwt-8818-gsm-fixed-wireless_60635151039.html? spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.3fc14e1eyJ6jyL.
As the senior software, I overcame all the software difficulties to reach production safely, and I received a special bonus because I added a new feature that made our product more advanced than the Huawei product.
Ten years ago, a SIM card was always locked by a default PIN when you used it the first time. A fixed wireless terminal (FWT) doesn't have a user interface, but the Huawei user manual instructed users to put the SIM in mobile for the first use to unlock its PIN before using it in the FWT.
I added a new feature to enhance this point and allow the user to unlock the SIM using the FWT directly without first using a mobile. The new feature is based on using the audio player in the Qualcomm chip to guide the user through a recorded voice message. The voice message is played from the Qualcomm chip and routed to SLIC interfaces to pass it to the landline phone when the user picks up the phone to make a call.
See product details: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Etross-fwt-8818-gsm-fixed-wireless_60635151039.html? spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.3fc14e1eyJ6jyL.
Certifications
MARCH 2021 - MARCH 2026
Functional Safety Engineer
TÜV Rheinland
Skills
Tools
Git, Subversion (SVN), Automotive SPICE, IBM Rational ClearCase, Bazel, CMake, Buildroot
Languages
C, Embedded C, C++, Embedded C++, Python, Bash Script
Paradigms
Requirements Analysis
Platforms
Windows, Linux, Embedded Linux, STM32, Ubuntu Linux, ThreadX, Ubuntu, Docker, OpenWRT
Industry Expertise
Automotive
Frameworks
gRPC
Other
Software Design, AT Commands, Atmel, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Embedded Software, Embedded Controllers, Embedded Development, Software Analysis, Smart Meters, Debugging, Microcontroller Programming, Modbus Protocol, GPRS, Real-time Embedded Systems, Software Architecture, Embedded Systems, Functional Safety, Firmware, CAN Bus, RS-232, Serial Communication, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Automotive Ethernet, Architecture, Automotive Design, System Architecture, System Architecture Design, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software System Architecture Development, MCU, I2C, GPIOs, CANbus, Vector CANalyzer, Firmware Development, Device Drivers, Logic Analyzers, Protocol Analysis, Bootloaders, Automotive Electronic Diagnostics, ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, People Management, Customer Support, Customer Satisfaction, Team Management, Landline Architecture, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Electronics, Embedded Hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), STM32F4, Motor Control Systems, Systems Engineering, CI/CD Pipelines, On-board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), Conflict Resolution, Long-term Evolution (LTE), Analytics, Safety, PCB Design, LTE (Telecommunication), ARM Architecture, FreeRTOS, WiFi
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