Embedded Software Engineer, Design & Verification

Katalyst CRO; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is looking for highly skilled Embedded Software Design & Verification Engineers in Rockford, Illinois. The successful candidate will support the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring compliance with DO-178C DAL A standards.

The ideal applicant should have at least 7 years of experience in embedded software, particularly within aerospace or safety-critical systems. A strong understanding of requirements traceability and extensive technical skill in embedded C programming is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in aerospace or safety-critical domains.
• Strong experience with DO-178C DAL A processes and compliance.
• Familiarity with various communication protocols: Ethernet, SPI, RS-485, CAN, I2C.

Responsibilities

• Execute full SDLC activities complying with DO-178C DAL A standards.
• Perform software requirements analysis, ensuring clarity and completeness.
• Lead and participate in SDLC reviews.

Skills

Embedded C programming

Real-time systems

Low-level hardware interaction

Requirements traceability

DO-178C DAL A processes

Technical documentation

Test automation

Tools

DOORS

Git

MS Visio

AMD Vitis

ARM C Compiler

Lauterbach Trace32

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking highly skilled Embedded Software Design & Verification Engineers with strong experience in DO-178C (DAL A) safety-critical systems. The ideal candidate will play a key role across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements capture and architecture through verification, compliance, and system validation within aerospace/defense environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) activities in compliance with DO-178C DAL A standards.
• Perform software requirements analysis and capture, ensuring clarity, completeness, and traceability.
• Develop embedded software architecture and detailed design.
• Maintain end-to-end traceability across requirements, design, code, and verification artifacts.
• Update and refactor legacy code to ensure DO-178C compliance.
• Lead and participate in SDLC reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Create and maintain DAL A documentation, including plans, standards, and lifecycle data.
• Develop and execute test procedures, test scripts, and verification cases.
• Conduct design analysis, issue resolution, and technical reporting.
• Support Pre-SOI audits and certification activities.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in aerospace or safety-critical domains.
• Strong experience with DO-178C DAL A processes and compliance.
• Expertise in:
  • Embedded C programming
  • Real-time systems and low-level hardware interaction
• Strong understanding of requirements traceability and lifecycle documentation.
• Technical Skills:
  • Protocols: Ethernet, SPI, RS-485, CAN, I2C.
  • Tools & Technologies:
    • DOORS (Requirements Management).
    • Git (Version Control).
    • Matissa / Similar lifecycle tools.
    • MS Visio (Design Documentation).
    • AMD Vitis / Embedded Toolchains.
    • ARM C Compiler.
    • Lauterbach Trace32 (Debugging).

Additional Desired Skills

• Experience with FPGA verification and debugging.
• Strong hardware-software integration and debugging capabilities.
• Familiarity with test automation and scripting.
• Experience supporting audit readiness (Pre-SOI, certification reviews).

Preferred Background

• Aerospace, Defense, or Safety-Critical Systems experience.
• Exposure to RTOS-based embedded systems.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Important Note: This role is subject to ITAR regulations, therefore only U.S. Citizens are eligible to apply.