Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-08-19 | Location: Columbia, MD (onsite) | U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance; active clearance required from day one.

About the Role

Raytheon’s Subsystem Engineering and Photonics group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary team designing, developing, and fabricating next-generation RF and photonic systems. As Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop and implement firmware for prototype hardware demonstrations, collaborate across disciplines, and drive projects to meet program schedules and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and debug integrated embedded real-time software within heterogeneous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team to solve complex engineering problems.
• Perform hands-on integration and troubleshooting of solutions to ensure functionality.
• Become the subject-matter expert for significant portions of the embedded code base.
• Elevate the team’s software development practices.
• Participate in internal and external technical reviews.
• Independently drive projects and execute to program schedules and budget.
• Travel up to 10%, with occasional overnight stays.

Requirements

• Typically a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in at least four of the following:
  • Software-defined radio
  • Signal processing
  • Real-time embedded software/firmware development
  • Embedded Linux
  • ARM processors and system on a chip (SoC) systems
  • FPGA development using Verilog, VHDL, or high-level synthesis tools
  • Python or C programming

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Digital signal processing experience.
• Experience with RF or photonic sensor systems.
• Embedded processor and System on Chip development for FPGA devices.
• Familiarity with the Linux environment and commands.
• Rapid prototyping and hardware integration experience.
• Self-motivated problem solver with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Self-directed—able to complete tasks with minimal oversight.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $118,300 – $224,900 USD.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and short-/long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee assistance program
• Employee Scholar Program
• Parental leave
• Paid time off and holidays
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (eligibility dependent on role level and collective-bargaining status)