Front-End Device Software Developer

Job Purpose

To design, develop, and maintain embedded software for fare collection reader devices in compliance with Singapore’s public transport standards, including Land Transport Authority (LTA)requirements and CEPAS specifications. The role ensures secure, reliable, and high-performance transaction processing across contactless cards, mobile wallets, and open-loop payment systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. CEPAS & LTA-Compliant Software Development

• Develop and maintain reader device software compliant with CEPAS specifications and LTA AFC Interface Requirements.
• Implement transaction flows for stored-value (CEPAS) and open-loop EMV payments in accordance with LTA certification standards.
• Ensure adherence to LTA-defined transaction timing, audit logging, and reconciliation requirements.

2. Front-End Device & Embedded Systems

• Design and develop embedded software for fare readers (bus validators, MRT gantries, handheld devices).
• Interface with hardware components including:
• Contactless smart card readers (ISO/IEC 14443)
• Secure Access Modules (SAM)
• QR/barcode scanners (for account-based ticketing)
• Optimize for low latency transaction processing (<300ms typical AFC requirement).

3. Payment Processing & Security Compliance

• Implement secure fare transaction processing in line with:
• CEPAS purse management and transaction rules
• EMV Level 2 kernel integration (for bank cards/mobile wallets)
• Support key management, secure messaging, and cryptographic functions (e.g., SAM-based authentication).
• Ensure compliance with LTA security guidelines, including audit trails and anti-fraud controls.

4. System Integration

• Integrate reader devices with backend AFC systems including:
• Card management systems
• Clearing & settlement systems
• Real-time monitoring platforms
• Support APIs and communication protocols defined by LTA (e.g., TCP/IP, message formats, device protocols).

5. Testing, Certification &Compliance

• Conduct functional, integration, and performance testing aligned with LTA certification processes.
• Support:
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• LTA compliance and certification audits
• Prepare technical documentation required for LTA submissions and approvals.

6. Deployment & Operations Support

• Support rollout of software to field devices across MRT stations, buses, and depots.
• Provide Level 2/3 support for incidents affecting fare collection devices.
• Diagnose and resolve transaction failures, card reading issues, and latency problems in live environments.

7. Continuous Improvement &Innovation

• Enhance support for next-generation AFC initiatives such as:
• Account-Based Ticketing (ABT)
• Mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• QR-based ticketing
• Recommend improvements to meet evolving LTA standards and commuter experience expectations.

Academic / Professional Experience Requirements

Academic Education

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Technical Experience

• 3–7 years in embedded systems or device software development.
• Hands-on experience with AFC systems, CEPAS, or LTA-regulated environments is highly preferred.
• Experience in transport systems (rail/bus) or payment systems is an advantage.

Technical Competency

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ (embedded systems); Java is a plus.
• Experience with Linux-based embedded systems or RTOS.
• Hands-on experience with:
• ISO/IEC 14443 (contactless cards)
• NFC technologies
• CEPAS transaction structures and flows
• EMV contactless (Level 2 kernel integration preferred)
• Familiarity with device communication protocols (UART, SPI, Ethernet, TCP/IP).
• Experience with secure elements (SAM, HSM) and cryptographic APIs.

Preferred Project Exposure

• Knowledge of LTA AFC architecture and certification processes.
• Experience in account-based ticketing (ABT) environments.
• Exposure to large-scale, high-availability systems in public transport.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD, and remote device management tools.

Project Competencies

• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and standards-driven development
• High attention to reliability, latency, and transaction accuracy
• Analytical troubleshooting in live operational environments
• Effective collaboration with hardware, backend, and operations teams
• Clear documentation and stakeholder communication (including regulators)