Sr. Principal Embedded Real-time Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-07-30 | Location: Tucson, AZ (onsite) | U.S. citizenship required; active and transferable DoD Secret clearance required on day one.

About the Role

As part of the Software Engineering Directorate’s Effectors Center team, you will architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy embedded real-time software for next-generation autonomous avionics systems. This technical position works within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) to develop firmware and hardware solutions for missiles, launchers, radars, naval systems, fire control, and other complex systems. The role involves collaboration with cross-discipline teams using Lean and Agile practices to ensure reliable, mission-critical software development.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, and debug integrated embedded real-time software within heterogeneous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Work within a cross-discipline team to define, refine, and improve product concepts, implementation, testability, and measurable quality.
• Teach, coach, and mentor less experienced staff.
• Contribute to proposals, preliminary design reviews, and critical design reviews.
• Collaborate across product lines and teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery.

Requirements

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in at least two of the following: Embedded C++ Software, Embedded Software Security, Software Architecture Design and Implementation.
• Experience using embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) (e.g., Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, Linux).
• Experience developing complex systems involving hardware, firmware, and software integration.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret U.S. government security clearance (active and transferable clearance required on day one).
• U.S. citizenship (required for security clearance eligibility).

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with rate monotonic theory, layered architectural principles, and their limitations.
• Experience reading electrical schematics and relating them to software function.
• Familiarity with firmware source code (e.g., VHDL or Verilog).
• Experience with assembly language for at least one processor/controller family.
• Proficiency with lab instruments (e.g., power supplies, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Experience developing device drivers for bare-metal and/or OS applications.
• Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems involving hardware and software integration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) match and flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules and employee assistance program.
• Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, and paid time off (including holidays).
• Annual short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs (eligibility dependent on role and performance).
• Relocation assistance (based on eligibility).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $132,400 – $251,600 USD, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Location

This onsite role is based at our Tucson, AZ campus. Tucson offers a vibrant community with year-round outdoor activities, a sunny climate (310+ sunny days per year), and a lower cost of living. The area is surrounded by mountains and the Sonoran Desert, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and innovation.