Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer - Open Rank-ICL

About the Organization

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing over $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The institute values students as its top priority, strives for excellence, thrives on diversity, celebrates collaboration, champions innovation, safeguards freedom of inquiry and expression, nurtures community wellbeing, acts ethically, and practices responsible stewardship.

About the Unit

The Information and Communications Laboratory (ICL) Communications Systems and Spectrum Division (CSSD) Networking and Virtualization Branch (NVB) focuses on advanced signal processing, adaptive communications technologies, algorithms, and artificial intelligence/machine learning applied to communications, spectrum sensing, electronic warfare, and next-generation cellular network technologies. Key research areas include adaptive communication systems, intelligent spectrum sensing, adaptive learning algorithms, advanced waveforms, and physics-based propagation modeling. The division supports projects for the Department of War (DoW), including the Army, Navy, and Office of the Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, spanning applied research through prototype development.

About the Role

The Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer will develop algorithms and code for real-time signal processing, including communication and data transfer between system-level hardware and embedded hardware. The role involves designing embedded firmware systems such as FPGAs, DSPs, microcontrollers, ASICs, and GPUs, as well as creating documentation to support future design reviews and enhancements. The position requires expertise in development environments for Xilinx and Altera (Intel) technologies, software development, configuration, and computer operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and develop software packages to meet requirements and open system standards.
• Develop and maintain software and scripts to support software development and processes.
• Follow embedded software/firmware development processes.
• Contribute to research reports, white papers, and competitive proposals.
• Participate in project execution, including attending technical meetings, completing assigned tasks, collaborating with colleagues, and presenting research to the team.
• Leverage and expand existing skills in system and application architecture, software development, and testing.
• Contribute to the development of innovative concepts and research programs addressing emerging problems in communications technology and applications.
• Investigate, develop, and document technology approaches and solutions for internal and sponsored research programs.
• Conduct solution and system design synthesis, translating objectives into requirements and architectures for complex networks.
• Develop AI/ML methods for controlling and optimizing communications systems.
• Support the development of technical reports, presentations, journal articles, and conference presentations.
• Contribute to white papers and proposals with background or data analysis.

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program with a graduation date no later than May 2026 will be considered.
• Familiarity with software development concepts such as source control, agile development, and good coding practices.
• Experience developing on embedded platforms.
• Experience with C, C++, and Python.
• Experience using Git and Confluence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a research environment with incomplete information and requirements.
• Ability to operate effectively, maintain productivity, and make well-reasoned decisions despite uncertainties.
• Ability to be granted a Secret Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to federal government research contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance.
• 5+ years of professional embedded software development.
• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience developing advanced communication systems, waveforms, or SDR platforms.
• Strong background in electromagnetics, signal processing, mathematics, machine learning, or scientific algorithm development.
• Experience with electronic warfare threat systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++ (C++11, C++20) software and systems design.
• Experience with Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency with containerized software development, deployment, and security.
• Experience with cellular communications systems, technologies, and specifications (e.g., ORAN).
• Experience with SOSA/MORE and/or CMOSS open architectures and platforms.
• Demonstrated recent experience in applied research and development.

Travel

10% - 25% travel may be required.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include health and welfare plans, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, time off, and professional development. More details can be found at GTRI Benefits.