Principal Embedded Software Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs and activities

Health and finance workshops

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer (PMTS) in Cambridge, MA. The role requires technical expertise in developing complex real-time embedded software applications, contributing through the entire software lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has 10-15 years of experience in embedded software development, is capable of leading technical teams, and possesses excellent problem-solving skills. The compensation range for this position is between $95,000 and $245,000 annually, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years experience with a Bachelor's degree or 7-10 years with a Master's degree in embedded software development.
• Ability to independently assess customer needs and evaluate candidate technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead embedded systems development teams and provide technical oversight.
• Identify program-level technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets

Experience with in-circuit emulators

Knowledge of OS coding techniques

Excellent organizational skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Knowledge of software configuration management tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

JTAG debuggers

Laboratory test equipment

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

The Embedded Software Engineer (PMTS) provides technical expertise and leadership for the development of complex, real‑time embedded software applications in resource‑constrained computing environments. They contribute and collaborate as members of multidisciplinary teams throughout the mission‑critical software lifecycle, from architecture conceptualization, requirements analysis, and software implementation through final evaluation and software release.

Technical areas include the development of embedded software for imaging systems, device, process and vehicle controllers, and navigation and mapping systems. Application domains include undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. This position works independently to perform job responsibilities and functions as a subject matter expert.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Subject Matter Expert in embedded system development knowledgeable and experienced in multiple technical disciplines.
• Ability to independently assess customer needs and evaluate candidate technical solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to lead embedded systems development teams, providing technical and management oversight.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills / Abilities

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Experience with in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems.
• Knowledge of development for real‑time execution.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools and peer review processes.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Education

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience

Experience Requires10-15 years experience with a Bachelor's degree or 7-10 years with a Master's degree in the development of embedded software or applicable experience.

Additional Requirements

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Security clearance is preferred.

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts (Postal Code: 02139‑3563)

Compensation

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $245,000.00. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.