Embedded Software Engineer

This role focuses on developing, integrating, and testing C++ embedded software for mission-critical RF systems within a real-time operating system environment. You will contribute across the full software development lifecycle—from requirements and design through coding, verification, and hardware integration—while working in an Agile, lab-based engineering setting.

About the role

The position requires strong C++ and object-oriented programming skills, experience with Linux and real-time operating systems, and the ability to perform hands-on testing and debugging on embedded hardware in support of high-reliability defense applications. This is a fully onsite position in Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain C++ embedded software for real-time RF systems running on Linux and other real-time operating systems.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, implementation, unit testing, integration, and verification.
• Perform hands-on testing and debugging of embedded software in a lab environment, including integration of software with hardware platforms.
• Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate embedded software into complex RF and defense systems.
• Use Agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Git (or similar) to plan work, track progress, manage code, and collaborate with team members.
• Develop and maintain scripts (for example, in Python or Bash) to support build, test, integration, and automation activities.
• Debug and resolve issues on embedded targets, including multi-threaded and distributed embedded systems where applicable.
• Support validation of software in lab environments, including on-target testing and verification of functionality and performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, coding standards, and best practices within the team.
• Ensure that all software work products meet reliability, performance, and quality requirements appropriate for mission-critical defense systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, Master’s degree with 6 years of experience, or equivalent practical experience in software or embedded systems engineering.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming, with the ability to apply solid design principles from day one.
• Experience developing embedded software on Linux or other real-time operating systems.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment, including testing, debugging, and integrating embedded software on hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira and Git, or similar issue-tracking and version-control systems.
• Scripting experience using languages such as Python or Bash to support development, automation, and testing tasks.
• Experience working with embedded systems and firmware development.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• Ability to work independently, be self-sufficient, and quickly become productive in a complex engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with C++11 and modern C++ features.
• Strong debugging and integration skills on embedded targets, including on-target testing and troubleshooting.
• Experience with multi-threaded or distributed embedded systems.
• Experience with SPs or ARM cores embedded in FPGAs or SoCs.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Experience developing embedded software on real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Background working on RF-based technology or defense-related systems.
• Experience with Linux-based embedded systems and firmware development in a regulated or high-reliability environment.

Work Environment

The role is based onsite in a team-oriented engineering environment, working closely with other embedded software engineers and cross-functional partners. You will work in a lab-based setting that includes access to embedded hardware, RF-related equipment, and secure computing resources. Due to the nature of the programs and cleared systems involved, this position requires working onsite five days per week to access secure servers and hardware used on government programs. The environment emphasizes hands-on lab work to validate and verify the code you develop, including on-target testing and integration activities. The culture values engineers who can hit the ground running, apply strong C++ and object-oriented design skills immediately, and collaborate effectively within an Agile framework to deliver mission-critical capabilities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $120.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)