Lead C++ Software Engineer

Eaton's Power Reliability Division is seeking a motivated Lead C++ Software Engineer to join its Utilities Grid Automation Software team. This position will be based in either Brossard (Quebec) or Lévis (Quebec) and offers hybrid work opportunities, as well as benefits from day one.

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $101,000 to $126,000.

Please note that the salary information provided above is for indicative purposes only. Salaries are determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and company considerations.

What You Will Do

The Lead C++ Software Engineer will play a key technical leadership role (hands-on) in the development and evolution of Eaton's grid automation software platforms. These critical systems enable public utilities to operate, automate, and modernize the electrical grid with a high level of reliability, performance, and security.

This role is for an experienced candidate who enjoys working on complex, distributed, and long-lived software systems at the heart of utility operations. The Lead Engineer will collaborate closely with architects, product management, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and global engineering teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure grid automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Serve as a technical leader for C++-based components across the grid automation software platforms, influencing design, implementation, and long-term maintainability.
• Contribute to architecture decisions related to scalability, performance, reliability, and security in distributed and on-prem/hybrid deployments.
• Guide technical direction on modernization efforts, including component decoupling, interoperability, and runtime efficiency.

Software Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality C++ software used in utility-grade, mission-critical environments.
• Work across the full software lifecycle: requirements refinement, design, implementation, code reviews, testing, and production support.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to performance, concurrency, memory management, and system integration.

Quality, Reliability, and Security

• Actively promote software quality, including automated testing, static analysis, and rigorous code reviews.
• Collaborate with DevSecOps and cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with Eaton's security standards and public utility client expectations.
• Support release preparation activities, including defect management, root cause analysis, and incident mitigation in production.

Collaboration and Mentorship

• Lead and support other engineers through technical mentorship, design reviews, and best practice sharing.
• Collaborate with international teams (North America, India) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Work closely with product owners and subject matter experts to translate public utility needs into robust technical solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in C++ development, including modern C++ (C++17 and later).
• Strong experience in developing and maintaining large, complex, and long-lived software systems.
• Excellent understanding of:
• Object-oriented design and software architecture
• Multithreading and concurrent programming
• Performance optimization and memory management
• Debugging complex runtime issues
• Experience in Windows environments.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise technical leadership without direct hierarchical authority.
• Proficiency in English and French (ability to work in both languages). Proficiency in both French and English is essential for this role to communicate with colleagues, clients, and partners located in Quebec or outside the province, as well as to understand technical documents in our industry.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada without employer sponsorship now and in the future.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in public utility, energy, industrial, or critical infrastructure software.
• Knowledge of distributed systems, messaging, and enterprise integration patterns.
• Awareness of cybersecurity concepts (Zero Trust, authentication, authorization, secure communications).
• Experience in Agile/SAFe environments.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevSecOps practices.
• Experience with hardware-integrated or field-deployed systems.

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Proven ability to exercise technical leadership and have a positive influence, including mentoring and coaching colleagues without direct hierarchical authority.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills in complex and dynamic environments.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and deliver results with a high level of accountability.
• Customer and quality orientation, with particular attention to reliability, security, and long-term outcomes.
• Adaptability and openness to change in evolving technical and organizational contexts.
• Professional judgment, integrity, and alignment with Eaton's values and ethical standards.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Work on critical software that directly supports the reliability and modernization of the electrical grid.
• Influence the technical direction of Eaton's leading grid automation platforms.
• Find the balance between deep technical work and large-scale architectural impact.
• Collaborate with highly qualified engineers, architects, and utility domain experts.
• Contribute to Eaton's digital transformation in the utilities grid automation space.