Associate Embedded Software Engineer

Prestwick Aerosystems; Bingen (WA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

PTO

Parental Leave

Employee Development

Job summary

Airbus in Bingen, WA is seeking an Entry-Level Embedded Software Engineer to join the UAS team. You’ll write C/C++ firmware for microcontroller-based systems, configure UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and work on hardware/software boundaries on flying and ground equipment.

You will bench test with oscilloscopes, assist in hardware bring-up, document firmware interfaces, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, CS, or related field.
• Six months of microcontroller programming experience (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32) in C/C++.
• Hands-on project experience building or programming physical devices.

Responsibilities

• Write, test, and debug embedded firmware for MCU-based systems on aircraft/ground equipment.
• Assist in bringing up new hardware boards with bench testing and debugging.
• Support integration of embedded devices with UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and RF modules.
• Troubleshoot hardware/firmware issues with senior engineers; document firmware modules and test procedures.
• Support unit/integration testing and develop simple test fixtures/scripts.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers during co-design.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded firmware

Hardware debugging

UART

SPI

I2C

CAN

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Oscilloscope

Logic analyzer

Schematic reading

Job description

Job Description

Are you a hands‑on engineer who loves bringing microcontrollers to life, tracing circuit boards, and making things fly? If you’ve spent your degree, capstones, or weekend projects tinkering with STM32s, ESP32s, or Arduinos—digging into logic analyzers and troubleshooting hardware-software interfaces—Airbus has the ideal runway for your career.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Entry‑Level Embedded Software Engineer to join our Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) team. In this role, you won't just write abstract code behind a desk—you will be on the bench and in the lab, working directly on the hardware/software boundary of our next‑generation autonomous aircraft and ground equipment. From writing C/C++ firmware and configuring low-level communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN) to bench testing with oscilloscopes and supporting hardware bring‑up, your work will directly power physical, flying systems.

Meet the Team

The Airbus Helicopters Flexrotor Program offers one of the most advanced small tactical unmanned aerial systems (STUAS) with vertical take‑off and landing (VTOL). It can be used day or night by US and allied forces for a diverse range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) on land and at sea.

Your Working Environment

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Columbia River Gorge in Bingen, WA, our workplace offers innovation and the ability to contribute to game‑changing solutions while enjoying the flexibility to spread your wings. Whether it’s solving complex challenges, or celebrating victories, you’ll be part of a cohesive crew that thrives on innovation and the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

How We Care for You

Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”).

Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.

Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.

Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

Your Challenges

Primary Responsibilities

• Write, test, and debug embedded firmware (C/C++) for microcontroller-based systems used on aircraft and ground equipment.
• Assist in bringing up new hardware boards — bench testing, debugging with oscilloscopes/logic analyzers, and verifying sensor/peripheral integration.
• Support integration of embedded devices with communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, RF modules).
• Assist in troubleshooting field‑reported hardware/firmware issues, working with senior engineers to isolate root causes.
• Write and maintain technical documentation for firmware modules, hardware interfaces, and test procedures.
• Support unit and integration testing of embedded systems, including building simple test fixtures/scripts.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers during hardware/firmware co‑design.

Additional Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned by the manager

Qualified Experience and Training

Education: Required Possess a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Must have at least six (6) months experience/internships/coursework programming microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or similar) in C/C++. Strong problem‑solving instincts and willingness to debug down to the hardware/firmware boundary. Demonstrated hands‑on project experience (school, club, or personal) building or programming physical devices. Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded/microcontroller programming. Understanding of basic digital communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C). Ability to read and interpret basic circuit schematics. Basic understanding of digital and analog electronics fundamentals.

Preferred Skills: Relevant coursework or project experience in embedded systems, digital logic, or robotics. Relevant Coursework: Digital and Analog Circuits, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, etc. 1 year of experience (internships, co‑ops, capstone projects, or personal/club projects count). Exposure to RTOS concepts or bare‑metal embedded programming. Experience reading schematics and using basic lab equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, logic analyzer). Exposure to version control (Git) in a team setting. Evidence of self‑directed learning/tinkering (personal projects, open‑source contributions, competition builds). Ability to work through ambiguous or under‑documented hardware problems with guidance from senior engineers. Familiarity with CAN bus or RF communication modules. Basic scripting ability (Python) for test automation or tooling.

Travel Required: Minimal- 5% Domestic and International.

Citizenship: Must be a US Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder or person covered under our existing ITAR license). Authorized to work in the US with current or future need for visa sponsorship.

Physical Requirements: Onsite or remote: 80% onsite in Bingen, WA Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings. Daily Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms. Daily. Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications. Daily. Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts. Daily. Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Daily. Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Daily. Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools. Occasionally. Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer. Daily. Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving. Occasionally. Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor. Daily. Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice. Occasionally. Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces. Daily. Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site Administrative position only PPE required: Steel‑toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

Salary range

Salary range: Salary range based on the required profile: $84,000 - $134,000/year. Actual minimum and maximum may vary based on geographic differential. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

This position offers the following benefits: Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Prescription insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Basic & Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, Short and Long-term Disability insurance, 401(k), Paid time off including paid holidays, Tuition Assistance, Bonus(es) subject to performance criteria.

A full job description will be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stage or any candidate upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail] Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Notice: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (English) Aviso: Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminación (Spanish) Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail]. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world’s leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey.