Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Missiles & UAS)

Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Missiles & UAS)

Position Overview IS4S is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the design and implementation of flight software for next-generation missile systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This is a leadership-heavy technical role requiring an expert in C/C++ and low-level embedded development. You will be responsible for the software architecture that drives Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms, sensor fusion, and mission logic in highly constrained, real-time environments.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of delivering flight-certified code and navigating the complexities of DoD acquisition programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Software Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural definition of embedded software for complex weapon systems and autonomous platforms, ensuring modularity, scalability, and strict real-time performance.
• Embedded Development: Develop, low-level drivers, middleware, and application-layer software in C and C++ for various microcontrollers, DSPs, and FPGAs (SoC).
• RTOS Management: Architect software solutions utilizing Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity, focusing on deterministic behavior and thread safety.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate closely with electrical and systems engineers to bring up new hardware, perform hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, and debug complex timing issues using logic analyzers and JTAG debuggers.
• Flight Control & GNC Support: Implement and optimize flight control laws and navigation algorithms (EKF, GPS/INS) developed by the GNC team for efficient execution on embedded targets.
• Technical Leadership: Drive the software development lifecycle (SDLC) through formal DoD milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR). Lead code reviews and mentor junior developers in embedded best practices and secure coding standards.
• Protocol Implementation: Develop and maintain communication stacks for military-standard protocols, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN bus, and Mavlink.

Technical Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years of professional experience in embedded software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to DoD aerospace or missile defense programs.
• C/C++ Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C and C++ (including C++11/14/17 standards) specifically tailored for resource-constrained embedded systems.
• Low-Level Expertise: Deep understanding of microprocessor architectures (ARM, PowerPC, RISC-V), memory management, interrupt handling, and DMA.
• Toolchain Proficiency: Expert experience with cross-compilers (GCC, LLVM), version control (Git), and automated build systems (CMake, Jenkins).
• Cybersecurity & Safety: Familiarity with software airworthiness certification (e.g., DO-178C) and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements for secure software.
• Security: Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret preferred.

Provides engineering and management solutions for defense and government.