Embedded Software Architect

STR; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

STR’s Sensors Division seeks an Embedded Software Architect to drive system definition and software architecture for advanced signal processing on resource-constrained embedded platforms. You will guide requests, evaluate architectures, and implement reliable software across CPUs, DSPs, and FPGAs.

The role requires analyzing algorithms, translating requirements into specs, and mentoring engineers while collaborating with spacecraft integrators and internal teams. A security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience with embedded software development for resource-constrained systems (CPU/DSP/FPGA SoCs).
• Strong foundation in signal processing algorithms and their computational/resource implications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer use cases and signal processing algorithms to generate system and software requirements for embedded platforms.
• Evaluate architectures (CPU, DSP, FPGA, or hybrid) balanced for performance and resource constraints.
• Architect, design, and implement embedded software at middleware or application level with focus on efficiency and reliability.
• Optimize and port software to maximize performance on SoCs and split work between processor and FPGA.
• Collaborate with integrators and stakeholders to translate mission objectives into specifications.
• Provide mentoring, code reviews, and technical guidance to junior engineers.

Skills

C/C++

Python

RTOS

DevOps

Agile

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

GitLab

Job description

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.

The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.

The Role:

We are seeking a talented and versatile Embedded Software Architect to drive the system definition and software architecture for advanced signal processing solutions on resource-constrained embedded platforms. The ideal candidate has broad embedded experience, excels in analyzing complex algorithms to inform technical requirements, and can recommend and develop solutions across CPUs, DSPs, and FPGAs. They will interface with external spacecraft and satellite integrators to define requirements, and play a key role in software development, optimization, and technical guidance within our engineering team.

What you will do:

• Analyze customer use cases and signal processing algorithms to generate clear, actionable system and software requirements for embedded platforms
• Evaluate and recommend computational architectures (CPU, DSP, FPGA, or hybrid) best suited to mission needs, balancing system complexity, performance, and resource constraints
• Architect, design, and implement embedded software at the middleware or application level, with a focus on resource-efficiency and high reliability
• Optimize and port software to maximize performance on computationally limited SoCs; proficiently devise functional splits between processor and FPGA
• Collaborate with spacecraft/satellite integrators and internal stakeholders to translate mission objectives into robust technical specifications
• Provide mentoring, code reviews, and technical guidance to less-experienced team members

Who you are:

• Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• BS with 7+ years’ experience in embedded software development for resource-constrained systems (such as CPU/DSP/FPGA SoCs). Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems; familiarity with MATLAB and RTOS environments a plus
• Strong foundation in signal processing algorithms and their computational/resource implications
• Demonstrated ability to derive system/software architecture from high-level algorithm analysis and mission requirements
• Experience with partitioning solutions between processors and programmable logic (e.g., FPGA)
• Proven ability to work effectively with customers and cross-disciplinary teams to translate concepts into specifications and implementations
• Strong communication skills and experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools to support efficient, reliable software development and deployment workflows
• Agile software lifecycle methodologiesand tools, such as JIRA, Confluence, Gitlab, static analysis, etc
• Active Secret clearance with the U.S. Government
• Advanced experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or other high-level programming languages
• Familiarity with multi-threaded or multi-core real-time operating concepts
• Knowledge of high-level software architecture design and scalability principles
• Demonstrated leadershipabilities, including mentoring junior staff and contributing to team efficiency

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $174,000 - $225,000

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STRis an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.