Firmware Systems Manager

Leidos Inc; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Leidos Inc is seeking a Firmware Systems Manager in Lynnwood, WA, to lead the development of software for autonomous underwater vehicles. Responsibilities include providing technical direction, managing engineering teams, and ensuring safety and reliability.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years in embedded development, expertise in C/C++, and strong leadership skills. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, reflecting the importance of our work.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in embedded or firmware development.
• 3+ years in technical leadership roles.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for embedded software across platforms.
• Manage and develop engineers from junior to senior levels.
• Ensure firmware meets customer and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Embedded systems expertise

C/C++ proficiency

Technical leadership

Microcontroller experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

JTAG/SWD

Logic analyzers

Job description

Description

Lead the Software That Drives Autonomous Systems in the Real World

Leidos is seeking a Firmware Systems Manager to lead teams developing the low-level software that brings autonomous maritime systems to life. In this role, you will guide engineers working at the boundary between silicon, sensors, and mission software, delivering reliable, deterministic, and resilient firmware for Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and related components operating in demanding real-world environments.

This position combines deep embedded systems expertise with people leadership and program ownership. You will shape how critical systems are built, mentor the next generation of technical leaders, and ensure that our platforms perform when and where it matters most.

Responsibilities

Technical & Mission Leadership

• Provide technical direction and oversight for bare-metal and low-level embedded software across multiple autonomous platforms.
• Maintain expert-level understanding of microcontroller-based systems, including STM32-class devices, interrupt-driven architectures, real-time timing, and hardware interfaces.
• Guide firmware architecture and integration strategies to ensure safety, reliability, and mission readiness.
• Serve as a senior technical escalation point for complex system-level issues.
• Promote disciplined engineering practices, including code reviews, documentation, verification, and configuration management.

People & Team Leadership

• Directly manage and develop engineers from junior to senior level.
• Conduct regular coaching, performance management, and career development discussions.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning for embedded and firmware teams.
• Mentor emerging technical and people leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive engineering culture.
• Report to the division-level software/firmware engineering manager.

Program Execution & Delivery

• Partner with Program Management, Systems Engineering, Hardware, and Operations to align technical execution with mission objectives.
• Translate requirements into executable technical roadmaps and staffing plans.
• Balance cost, schedule, quality, and risk across multiple programs.
• Ensure firmware deliverables meet customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Proactively identify and mitigate technical and organizational risks.

Process & Organizational Development

• Establish and continuously improve scalable embedded software development processes.
• Drive consistency in requirements flow-down, design reviews, integration testing, and release management.
• Champion best practices for mission-critical and safety-focused systems.
• Support internal and external technical reviews and assessments.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in embedded or firmware development, including significant bare-metal experience.
• 3+ years of experience in technical leadership, team lead, or supervisory roles.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with microcontrollers, peripherals, registers, and low-level drivers.
• Experience debugging complex hardware/software systems using JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, and related tools.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government SECRET security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, or maritime platforms.
• Familiarity with safety-critical or high-reliability standards (e.g., DO-178, IEC 61508, MISRA).
• Experience managing multiple teams or senior technical leads.
• Background in systems engineering or hardware design.
• Experience working in classified or highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success scaling teams and processes in growing technical organizations.

Pay Range

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.