Principal Embedded Software Engineer

MITRE

Bedford (MA)

On-site

USD 173,000 - 260,000

Full time

25 hours ago

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Job summary

MITRE’s Electronic Systems Development department seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Level 5) to lead design and prototyping of state-of-the-art embedded systems for PNT applications. The role involves C/C++ software on embedded hardware, collaboration across disciplines, and delivering high-impact prototypes.

The successful candidate will bring 10+ years of embedded experience, active Top Secret/SCI clearance, and a willingness to be on-site 3 days per week in Massachusetts.

Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
Degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related field
Expert-level proficiency in high-performance programming languages (C, C++, Python)
Demonstrated technical/task leadership experience
Demonstrated ability to architect complex embedded systems
Experience defining and encouraging best practices and design methods
Willingness/passion for mentoring and developing junior engineers
Must have an active Top Secret/SCI clearance. US citizenship is required per government eligibility
This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on-site

Responsibilities

Architect, implement, test, document, and debug embedded software systems (primarily C/C++)
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and set technical direction for software development efforts
Establish and reinforce best practices for software design, implementation, integration, and verification
Integrate and troubleshoot hardware/software interfaces across embedded platforms and RF/SDR-connected systems
Mentor and develop junior engineers through technical guidance and reviews

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded software design

Real-time systems

Technical leadership

System architecture

PNT/RF/SDR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or related field

Master's degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

POSIX interfaces

Linux

RTOS

SoC/FPGA

Signal processing libraries

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

MITRE’s Electronic Systems Development department is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Level 5) to support advanced research and development projects of national significance. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team designing and prototyping proof‑of‑concept systems on embedded hardware platforms, with emphasis on software supporting Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) applications. Our diverse sponsors and research objectives provide opportunities such as:

Real‑time communication, navigation, and sensor systems leveraging modern System‑on‑a‑Chip/Field Programmable Gate Array (SoC/FPGA) technology and Software‑Defined Radio (SDR) platforms
Advanced architectures for high‑throughput signal processing algorithms
Tightly integrated platforms targeting low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) applications
Cross‑disciplinary teams delivering mission‑relevant prototypes and demonstrations

Roles & Responsibilities

This position provides an opportunity to lead the design and prototyping of state‑of‑the‑art embedded systems using commercial and custom platforms. Key responsibilities include:

Architect, implement, test, document, and debug embedded software systems (primarily C/C++)
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and set technical direction for software development efforts
Establish and reinforce best practices for software design, implementation, integration, and verification
Integrate and troubleshoot hardware/software interfaces across embedded platforms and RF/SDR‑connected systems
Mentor and develop junior engineers through technical guidance and reviews

Basic Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
Degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related field
Expert‑level proficiency in high‑performance programming languages (C, C++, Python)
Demonstrated technical/task leadership experience
Demonstrated ability to architect complex embedded systems
Experience defining and encouraging best practices and design methods
Demonstrated engagement across multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and set technical direction of software development efforts
Willingness/passion for mentoring and developing junior engineers
Strong understanding of embedded systems, hardware interfacing, and signal processing concepts
In‑depth experience with software systems, systems architecture, and system‑of‑systems architecture
Complete software development skillset including design, implementation, testing, documentation, and debugging
Understanding and experience with low‑level processor architectures, operating system design, and hardware interfacing
Experience with real‑time operating systems
Experience with POSIX interfaces
Experience with Linux/BSD user and kernel environments
Experience with Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), RF communications, or radar/sensor systems
Must have an active Top Secret/SCI U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on‑site

Preferred Qualifications

Existing program accesses
Advanced degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related field
Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, discretion, and tact
History of building trusted relationships with demanding customers or leaders
Demonstrated technical leadership shaping large projects and aligning operational needs, engineering reality, and programmatic execution

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s)

Top Secret/SCI

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s)

Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint

$173,200 - $216,500 - $259,800 Annual

Work Location Type

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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