Embedded Software Engineer (Avionics)

Softworld, a Kelly Company; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Softworld, a Kelly Company, is looking for a talented Software Engineer to develop embedded real-time avionics systems in Cambridge, MA. The position involves working on high-performance software solutions across multiple application domains and requires participation in the entire software development lifecycle.

Applicants should have a strong background in embedded software development and hold a B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. An Active Secret clearance is required, alongside expertise in C/C++ and real-time operating systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• Experience with low-power microcontrollers (e.g., PowerPC, TMS320).
• Active Secret clearance (or higher) required.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded real‑time avionics systems for various applications.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle.
• Develop device drivers, board support packages (BSP), and boot code.

Skills

Embedded software development – C/C++

RTOS (VxWorks, Integrity, Embedded Linux, FreeRTOS)

Low-level systems programming – device drivers, BSP, boot code

Communication protocols – CAN, SPI, I2C, MIL‑STD‑1553

Development tools – GCC, LLVM, QEMU, JTAG

Fault‑tolerant / mission‑critical systems experience

RISC‑V, ARM/Ultrascale+, PowerPC knowledge

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent

Tools

In-circuit emulators

JTAG debuggers

Laboratory test equipment

Development toolchains (GCC, LLVM)

Static and dynamic analysis tools

Job description

Position Overview

Seeking a software engineer to develop embedded real‑time avionics systems for resource‑constrained targets such as undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonic, and space applications.

The role involves the full software development lifecycle: requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, and deployment in operational environments.

Location and Contract

Cambridge, MA (primary) with occasional travel to Lowell, MA

12+ month contract

Responsibilities

• Develop high‑performance embedded solutions for next‑generation resilient and fault‑tolerant software across multiple application domains.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle: requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Develop device drivers, board support packages (BSP), and boot code for embedded targets.
• Support formal requirements, design documentation, and test artifacts; participate in formal design reviews.
• Utilize in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment for debugging and verification.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent, with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in embedded software development with RISC‑V, Ultrascale+ (ARM), or other low‑power microcontrollers (e.g., PowerPC, TMS320).
• Proficiency with real‑time operating systems such as VxWorks, Integrity, Embedded Linux, Zephyr, or FreeRTOS.
• Strong C/C++ and assembly programming skills.
• Solid understanding of OS coding techniques, hardware/software interfaces, and subsystem integration.
• Experience with device drivers, BSP, boot code, and embedded system buses and protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, Serial, SpaceWire, and MIL‑STD‑1553.
• Familiarity with development toolchains (GCC, LLVM), static and dynamic analysis tools; QEMU‑based development experience preferred.
• Knowledge of configuration management, defect tracking, and peer‑review processes.
• Experience with in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment.
• Experience developing formal requirements, design documentation, and test artifacts, and supporting formal design reviews.
• Active Secret clearance (or higher) required.
• Must be able to work onsite in Cambridge, MA, with occasional travel to Lowell, MA.

Skills Highlights

• Embedded software development – C/C++, RTOS (VxWorks, Integrity, Embedded Linux, FreeRTOS).
• Low‑level systems programming – device drivers, BSP, boot code, hardware interfaces.
• Embedded processors – RISC‑V, ARM/Ultrascale+, PowerPC; communication protocols – CAN, SPI, I2C, 1553, SpaceWire.
• Development tools – GCC, LLVM, QEMU, JTAG.
• Fault‑tolerant / mission‑critical systems experience.
• Avionics or aerospace embedded systems background.

Additional Information

• Active Secret clearance strongly preferred (or ability to obtain).
• Strong embedded avionics / aerospace / defense background.
• Experience with fault‑tolerant / mission‑critical systems.
• Must be comfortable working close to hardware and debugging at the system level.