Zach is available for hire
Hire ZachZach Frey
Verified Expert in Engineering
Embedded Software Engineer and Developer
Ypsilanti, MI, United States
Toptal member since April 15, 2025
Bio
Zach is an experienced embedded software engineer with 20+ years of expertise in firmware, real-time operating systems (RTOSs), and embedded systems. He has led high-impact projects for top-tier companies, aligning technical solutions with business goals to deliver efficient, scalable results across automotive and defense sectors. Zach will be a great addition to any team.
Portfolio
Green Hills Software
C, C++, ARM Embedded, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Embedded C...
Harman
CAN Bus, CANoe, Confluence, Jira, Customer Support, Debugging...
Quantum Signal
Python 3, Pytest, Robotics, Simulations, MATLAB, Java, SQL, Spark, Web Servers...
Experience
- Programming - 20 years
- C - 20 years
- Linux - 20 years
- Embedded Systems - 20 years
- Real-time Operating System (RTOS) - 12 years
- Automotive Software - 10 years
- Embedded C - 10 years
- Testing - 10 years
Availability
Full-time
Preferred Environment
Linux, C, C++, Python 3, Pytest, Vim Text Editor, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Embedded C, Embedded Systems, ARM Embedded
The most amazing...
...thing I've developed was the test suite for an autonomous vehicle simulation program.
Work Experience
Field Applications Engineer
2023 - 2024
Green Hills Software
- Provided technical assistance to clients, ensuring successful adoption and use of Green Hills Software's solutions.
- Demonstrated best practices for system debugging using JTAG probes and software debuggers.
- Presented to potential clients at industry conferences and through webinars.
- Advised customers regarding ISO 26262 qualification of GHS tools to support required ASIL safety levels.
Technologies: C, C++, ARM Embedded, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Embedded C, Debugging Tools, ARM, ARM Architecture, MCU, Embedded C++, ISO 26262, Customer Support, Automotive Software, Embedded Software, Programming, Firmware
Customer Systems Lead
2021 - 2023
Harman
- Managed hardware and software change requests across multiple vehicle programs.
- Triaged and escalated all customer hardware and software issue reports with the correct internal teams.
- Debugged issues in the field, observed with test vehicles, and collected logs for analysis.
Technologies: CAN Bus, CANoe, Confluence, Jira, Customer Support, Debugging, Automotive Controller Area Network (CAN), Automotive Software, Automotive Systems, Firmware
Principal Engineer
2019 - 2021
Quantum Signal
- Designed a telemetry system for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) installation.
- Headed a team to implement and maintain the telemetry system.
- Developed data metrics analysis using Apache Hadoop and Spark.
Technologies: Python 3, Pytest, Robotics, Simulations, MATLAB, Java, SQL, Spark, Web Servers, Linux, Embedded Linux, Programming, Embedded Software
Principal Engineer
2018 - 2019
Quantum Signal
- Redesigned a QA system to reduce manual testing, automated it using Pytest, and integrated it with Jenkins build.
- Updated robotics software on an industrial welding robot to eliminate positioning errors.
- Created example programs to showcase features of our autonomy simulation product in multiple languages—C++, C#, Python—for inclusion with the product release.
Technologies: Simulations, Robotics, C++, Python 3, Pytest, C#, Unreal Engine 4, Jenkins, Robot Operating System (ROS), Quality Assurance (QA), Scripting, CI/CD Pipelines, Programming, Embedded Software
Senior Telematics Engineer
2017 - 2018
Hyundai America Technical Center
- Tested telematics features of new vehicles before production.
- Debugged system issues and performed root-cause analysis.
- Coordinated with suppliers and tracked issues to resolution.
- Managed workload for the team to ensure the successful completion of simultaneous vehicle programs.
Technologies: Testing, Telematics, Debugging, Automotive Testing, Automotive Controller Area Network (CAN), Automotive Systems
Senior Software Engineer
2013 - 2017
Harman
- Designed an audio connection strategy for the Android Automotive head unit, updating it based on additional customer requirements.
- Tracked bugs and performed triages with customers to define software releases.
- Mentored new hires and trained them in embedded Android development.
- Internationalized applications to add Arabic right-to-left layouts to support translated interface.
Technologies: Java, Android Automotive, C, Bug Triage, Customer Support, ARM, Agile, Programming, Solution Design, Automotive Software, Automotive Systems
Senior Software Engineer
2005 - 2013
Lectronix
- Developed the Java Native Interface (JNI) into a radio tuner chip for Android components in an ARM-based telematics system.
- Created the issue-tracking methodology used by the company. Developed the release process for software builds and acted as release manager.
- Built and maintained the trip computer subsystem of an extensive (400,000 SLOC) telematics system in C++ under QNX. This involves developing and integrating server, UI, and driver components.
- Performed field support of vehicle integration, specializing in SAE J1939.
- Led successful effort for Sirius Radio branding certification.
- Developed scripts for automated test execution. Oversaw test development and execution by other QA engineers.
Technologies: Android Automotive, ARM Embedded, QNX, C, Device Drivers, QA Testing, Software Release Management, Mantis Bug Tracker, Embedded C++, CAN Bus, J1939
Member Technical Staff
2002 - 2005
MotoTron
- Created a helm simulation of a dual-engine vessel for a demo booth application. Developed software utilizing Simulink code generation, interfacing through Controller Area Network (CAN) with smart gauges to showcase accurate displays.
- Developed a test execution and comparison environment for testing automotive body controllers and a user interface in Java/Swing.
- Developed a test suite for the standard project block library ASCET-SD. Created a test report system that integrated code coverage measurement and McCabe metrics on generated C code.
Technologies: C, Code Coverage, Simulink, Embedded C, Embedded Systems, Mantis Bug Tracker, CANoe, CAN Bus, J1939, MATLAB, Java, Programming, Embedded Software
Senior Software Engineer
2001 - 2002
ProQuest
- Designed the architecture and approach for the website software, incorporating both legacy code and new features.
- Estimated schedule and resource requirements for a web application.
- Delivered initial release to QA a week ahead of project schedule, and in time for a major trade show.
- Led performance testing and reengineering of the system in order to meet a tenfold increase in site traffic.
Technologies: Java, Perl, GNU Make, Bash, Bash Script, Agile, Team Leadership, Java Servlets, SQL
Experience
New QA System for Simulation Environment Release Testing
Replaced a manual QA process with a combination of automated and minimized manual tests.
PROBLEM
A 100% manual testing process constrained the testing of a complex simulation program. This prevented frequent test runs, leading to a painful integration and debug phase before product releases.
I interviewed stakeholders to determine their needs and then created a proof of concept automation using pytest and the product's Python API.
I also restructured the test plans in TestRail, creating a standard for engineering teams to contribute their test cases. I integrated the Jenkins build with the pytest execution and TestRail test management. Then, I led a team of two developers to help complete the test suite in time for a major product release.
This accelerated testing and improved quality for the next major product release.
PROBLEM
A 100% manual testing process constrained the testing of a complex simulation program. This prevented frequent test runs, leading to a painful integration and debug phase before product releases.
I interviewed stakeholders to determine their needs and then created a proof of concept automation using pytest and the product's Python API.
I also restructured the test plans in TestRail, creating a standard for engineering teams to contribute their test cases. I integrated the Jenkins build with the pytest execution and TestRail test management. Then, I led a team of two developers to help complete the test suite in time for a major product release.
This accelerated testing and improved quality for the next major product release.
Education
1985 - 1990
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Michigan State University - East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Java Servlets
Tools
Vim Text Editor, Pytest, CANoe, Confluence, Jira, MATLAB, Jenkins, Mantis Bug Tracker, TestRail, GNU Make
Languages
C, C++, Embedded C, Embedded C++, Python 3, Python, Java, SQL, C#, Simulink, Perl, Bash, Bash Script
Paradigms
Testing, Agile
Platforms
Linux, Embedded Linux, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Android Automotive
Frameworks
Spark, Unreal Engine 4
Other
Embedded Systems, Programming, Real-time Operating System (RTOS), Automotive Software, Embedded Software, Debugging Tools, Automotive Testing, Automotive Controller Area Network (CAN), Quality Assurance (QA), Circuit Design, Calculus, Classical Control Theory, Data Communication, ARM Embedded, CAN Bus, Robotics, Simulations, Web Servers, Automotive Systems, Robot Operating System (ROS), Telematics, Debugging, Bug Triage, Customer Support, QNX, Device Drivers, QA Testing, Software Release Management, Code Coverage, J1939, ARM, ARM Architecture, MCU, ISO 26262, Scripting, CI/CD Pipelines, Solution Design, Team Leadership, Firmware
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