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Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Missiles & UAS)

Job

IS4S

Fort Walton Beach, FL (In Person)

Full-Time

Posted 4 weeks ago (Updated 2 weeks ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 6/19/2026

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Job Description

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.