Junior Software Engineer

Belcan; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Belcan in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Junior Software Engineer to support platform software development for advanced propulsion and engine control systems. You will contribute to the full software development lifecycle in a highly regulated aerospace environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver embedded software that meets DO-178C standards.

The role requires a BS in a technical field, 3–4 years of software experience, and U.S. Citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• 3–4 years of relevant software engineering experience.
• Proficient in C and embedded software on RTOS like VxWorks/LynxOS.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a global team.
• U.S. Citizenship and willingness to relocate to Grand Rapids.

Responsibilities

• Capture and review software requirements, design artifacts, source code and test procedures.
• Develop and manage baselines for requirements, design, code, and tests.
• Implement embedded features on RTOS platforms like VxWorks/LynxOS.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and external software suppliers.
• Participate in trade studies and project planning activities.
• Support change control, traceability, reporting and metrics.
• Present technical information at reviews and status meetings.
• Ensure compliance with DO-178C and safety standards.

Skills

C programming

Embedded software

Software development lifecycle

Cross-functional collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering

Tools

VxWorks

LynxOS

Git

Jira

DOORS

Job description

A Junior Software Engineer role with Belcan is available to support platform software development for advanced propulsion and engine control systems. In this role, you will contribute to the full software development lifecycle-including requirements, design, implementation, testing, and integration-within a highly regulated aerospace environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, software suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality embedded software that meets rigorous safety and certification standards such as DO-178C. This position is on-site in Grand Rapids, Michigan and requires U.S. Citizenship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capture, analyze, document, and review software requirements, design artifacts, source code, and test procedures.
• Support the development and management of requirements, design, code, and test baselines throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement and maintain embedded software features using C and real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, LynxOS, or similar platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other engineering disciplines and external software suppliers.
• Participate in trade studies and technical analyses to support system-level decisions.
• Assist in planning activities to ensure accurate scoping of technical work.
• Support the change control process, including change requests, traceability, reporting, and metric generation.
• Present technical information at internal reviews, program status meetings, and engineering boards.
• Support issue resolution by working with engineering teams, stakeholders, and customers.
• Adhere to strict software safety, quality, and certification standards, including DO-178C.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in a relevant software engineering role.
• Hands-on experience with the full software development lifecycle in aerospace or a similar safety-critical industry.
• Strong proficiency in C programming.
• Experience developing embedded software on real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, LynxOS, or equivalent.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional team environment.
• Due to the nature of the work performed, U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Willingness to relocate to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with DO-178C or other safety-critical software development standards.
• Experience with debugging tools, configuration management systems, and requirement-tracking applications (e.g., DOORS, Git, Jira).
• Knowledge of avionics systems, propulsion systems, or engine control architectures.
• Exposure to model-based development tools (e.g., Simulink).
• Demonstrated leadership skills or experience supporting technical planning.
• Prior collaboration with external vendors or software suppliers.

Compensation:

Belcan provides a competitive pay and benefits package. Benefits offered may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and paid leave required by law. Salary guidelines for similar roles at Belcan are $70,000 to $90,000. Guidelines vary based on many factors, including but not limited to education, qualifications, experience, discipline, geographic location, market and business considerations.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local laws.