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, Power

PC, 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. Benefits Summary Competitive salary with comprehensive health and wellness benefits Dynamic and collaborative work environment Employee ownership Medical, dental, and vision care plans Paid time-off and parental leave programs Group term life insurance 401(k) retirement plan Tuition Assistance, Training, and education development offerings