Principal Embedded Software Architect for Defense Systems

Leonardo DRS; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 program

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in Melbourne, FL. The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership across embedded software architectures and multi-discipline teams.

You will define architectures, drive design decisions, and coordinate effort across software, hardware, FPGA, and verification teams to ensure successful program execution. A DOD clearance or eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of embedded software development experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in C and C++.
• Strong Python development experience.
• Extensive experience with Bare-Metal, FreeRTOS, and Embedded Linux environments.
• Extensive experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and/or MicroBlaze platforms.
• Strong understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, and hardware/software co-design.
• Experience developing complex device drivers and middleware components.
• Experience leading software development efforts through the full product lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams while remaining a hands‑on contributor.
• Experience developing project schedules, assigning technical work, and tracking execution.
• Experience presenting technical status, risks, and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
• Strong technical decision-making and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Define software architectures for complex embedded systems and mission-critical products.
• Lead technical strategy, design reviews, and architectural decisions.
• Serve as the technical authority for software development activities.
• Drive technical solutions involving processors, FPGAs, sensors, imaging systems, networking, and embedded platforms.
• Evaluate technologies, tools, frameworks, and development approaches.
• Lead root-cause investigations for complex system-level issues.
• Lead small software development teams while remaining an active contributor.
• Translate program objectives into executable software development plans.
• Break down project work into tasks and assign responsibilities across team members.
• Track execution against schedules, milestones, and technical deliverables.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate technical and program risks.
• Coordinate software activities across systems, hardware, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, and program teams.
• Provide regular project status, risks, and recovery plans to engineering management and program leadership.
• Support staffing, workload balancing, and technical mentoring activities.
• Develop, integrate, debug, and verify embedded software.
• Perform code reviews and maintain software quality standards.
• Support customer demonstrations, field activities, integration events, and technical reviews.
• Contribute directly to critical project deliverables when needed.

Skills

C and C++

Python

Embedded RTOS/Real-time

Small team leadership

Project scheduling

Technical decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical/Software Engineering

Tools

Bare-Metal

FreeRTOS

Embedded Linux

AMD/Xilinx Zynq MPSoC

MicroBlaze

Job description

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer in Melbourne, FL. The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership across embedded software architectures and multi-discipline teams.

You will define architectures, drive design decisions, and coordinate effort across software, hardware, FPGA, and verification teams to ensure successful program execution. A DOD clearance or eligibility is required.