Lead Embedded Software Architect

Scientific Research Corporation; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Scientific Research Corporation seeks an experienced Lead Embedded Software Architect to guide the evolution of a MOSA/SOSA-aligned SDR Operating Environment. You will lead architectural decisions, IPC design, and container orchestration while actively contributing to code and hardware integration.

The role requires hands-on C/C++ development, embedded Linux expertise, and experience with Docker/Podman and lightweight Kubernetes. DoD security clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Experience leading software architecture decisions and multi-threaded designs.
• Expertise in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and C on ARM64/x86_64 embedded Linux.
• Experience designing/packaging containerized workloads on Linux (Docker/Podman/OCI).
• Strong understanding of POSIX, multi-threading, memory management, IPC, and high-throughput IPC

Responsibilities

• Own the software architectural design for a containerized MOSA/SOSA-compliant OE.
• Translate mission requirements into architectural milestones and interface designs.
• Make foundational decisions on IPC, container virtualization, memory footprints, and latency budgets.
• Write, test, and refactor mission-critical C/C++ services and middleware.
• Guide software-to-hardware integration across SOSA-aligned chassis and SDR subsystems.
• Author ICDs, ADDs, and system interface specs.
• Support DoD cybersecurity frameworks and NSA Type-1 requirements.
• Mentor software developers and contribute to code reviews.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded Linux

Containerization

IPC & memory

Peripherals interfaces

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/CE/EE)

Tools

Docker

Podman

OCI containers

Kubernetes

Yocto Project

PetaLinux

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Embedded Software Architect to guide the technical evolution of the next-generation USMC software-defined radio (SDR) Operating Environment (OE).

In this role, you will serve as the contractor team's lead software architect, designing next-generation, high-performance tactical radio operating environments built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) aligned with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard. This project is modernizing tactical communications by transitioning mission-critical waveforms (e.g., SINCGARS, WREN, MUOS) into modern, containerized software running across high-performance General-Purpose Processors (GPPs), Single Board Computers (SBCs), and SDR hardware.

Working in close coordination with the Government Technical Lead and program leadership, you will make foundational decisions on software modularity, inter-process communication (IPC), container orchestration, and timing services, while actively contributing to core implementation, code reviews, and hardware-software integration. This role is ideal for an experienced senior engineer who enjoys shaping architectural direction while remaining actively engaged in the codebase.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Owning the software architectural design for a containerized, SCA-compliant Operating Environment (OE), defining core interfaces for vocoder services, high-precision timing (PNT), serial I/O, data bus management, etc.

• Partnering closely with the Government Technical Lead, program management, and systems engineering to translate mission requirements into robust architectural milestones and interface designs

• Making foundational technical decisions regarding inter-process communication (IPC), container virtualization, memory footprints, and latency budgets for resource-constrained, disconnected tactical edge platforms

• Writing, testing, and refactoring mission-critical C/C++ services, middleware, and integration harnesses; actively participate in daily implementation, code reviews, and technical spike investigations

• Guiding software-to-hardware integration across SOSA-aligned chassis, GPPs (ARM64/x86_64), SDR transceivers, DSPs, and FPGA-based subsystems

• Authoring and governing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), architectural design documents (ADDs), and system interface specifications adhering to open systems standards (SOSA, CMOSS, MORA)

• Architecting the software operating environment to support rigorous Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity frameworks and NSA Type-1 cryptographic/tamper boundary requirements

• Providing technical mentorship to software developers on the team, assisting with trade studies, troubleshooting, and code quality

FILLING THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field, plus eight or moreyears of progressive embedded software development experience
• Minimum of three yearsin a lead or architect capacity making software architectural decisions, system trade-offs, and multi-threaded interface design
• Demonstrated expertise in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and C targeting General-Purpose Processors (ARM64, x86_64) running embedded Linux environments
• Practical experience designing, packaging, or running containerized workloads (e.g., Docker, Podman, OCI containers, lightweight Kubernetes/K3s) on Linux systems
• In-depth understanding of embedded Linux OS internals, POSIX APIs, multi-threading, concurrency, memory management, and high-throughput inter-process communications (e.g., shared memory, ZeroMQ, gRPC, sockets)
• Hands-on experience developing software interfaces for hardware peripherals and standard embedded buses (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet/IP, Serial UART/RS-422/485, SPI, I2C)
• Strong technical communication and presentation skills, with demonstrable experience authoring Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and discussing technical trade-offs with customer counterparts
• Active DoD Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI

Desired Skills

• Direct experience developing or porting waveforms within Software Defined Radio (SDR) frameworks, specifically Software Communications Architecture (SCA 2.2.2 or 4.1), REDHAWK SDR, or GNU Radio
• Hands-on experience with Object Request Brokers (ORBs) and middleware such asCORBA (omniORB), eRPC, or DDS
• Domain knowledge of tactical military waveforms such as SINCGARS, WREN/SRW, MUOS, Link 16, or HF/VHF/UHF line-of-sight communications
• Working knowledge of DoD Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) initiatives including SOSA, CMOSS, MORA (VICTORY), or OpenVPX
• Experience configuring and maintaining embedded Linux distributions via Yocto Project, Buildroot, or PetaLinux
• Familiarity with NSA cryptographic integration, software safety/security certification processes, and cross-domain solution principles
• Familiarity interfacing with FPGA coprocessors (Xilinx/AMD Zynq UltraScale+) and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)

Clearance Information

SRC IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS, A U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE AT THE SECRET LEVEL WITH TOP SECRET / SCI ELIGIBILITY

Travel Requirements

• <5% CONUS travel

About Us

Scientific Research Corporation is an advanced information technology and engineering company that provides innovative products and services to government and private industry, as well as independent institutions. At the core of our capabilities is a seasoned team of highly skilled engineers and scientists with multidisciplinary backgrounds. This team is challenged daily to provide cutting edge technology solutions to our clients.

SRC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, vacation and sick paid time off accruals with amounts increasing based on role and years of service, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a work environment that encourages excellence and more. For positions requiring a security clearance, selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

EEO

Scientific Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.

Scientific Research Corporation endeavors to make www.scires.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.