Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Raytheon; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual incentive program

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Raytheon’s Columbia, MD facility seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to design, implement, and test embedded real-time software for heterogeneous systems, collaborating with RF and photonics engineers.

This onsite role requires DoD Top Secret clearance, offers relocation assistance, and supports travel up to 10%. Compensation ranges from 118,300 USD to 224,900 USD annually with potential incentives.

Qualifications

• Typically a STEM degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in real-time embedded software/firmware development.
• Proficiency with ARM SoC and FPGA development.
• Experience with Python or C programming.

Responsibilities

• Design, implementing, testing, and debugging embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team setting to solve complex engineering problems.
• Perform hands‑on integration and troubleshooting of solutions to ensure functionality.
• Be responsible for significant portions of the embedded code base, becoming the subject matter expert in those areas.
• Assist the team in elevating our software development practices.
• Travel up to 10%, with some overnight travel. Onsite in Columbia, MD.

Skills

Embedded real-time software

Embedded Linux

ARM SoC development

FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL)

C programming

Python programming

Software-defined radio

Signal processing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Tools

Verilog

VHDL

FPGA toolchain

Job description

Location US-MD-COLUMBIA-7100 ~ 7100 Columbia Gateway Dr ~ COLUMBIA GATEWAY, Ste 160

Date Posted 2026-08-19

Country United States of America

Position Role Type Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type DoD Clearance: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

Raytheon's Subsystem Engineering and Photonics group is actively seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to join our group in Columbia, MD. The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic systems. The Principal Embedded Software Engineer will be responsible for supporting our design and testing efforts by working with the engineering team to develop and implement firmware solutions in prototype hardware demonstrations.

What You Will Do

• Designing, implementing, testing, and debugging integrated embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team setting to solve complex engineering problems.
• Perform hands‑on integration and troubleshooting of solutions to ensure functionality.
• Be responsible for significant portions of the embedded code base, becoming the subject matter expert in those areas.
• Assist the team in elevating our software development practices.
• Perform and participate in internal and external technical reviews.
• Independently drive projects and execute to program schedules and budget.
• Travel up to 10%, with some overnight travel.
• This 1st shift role will be 100% onsite and based in Columbia, MD.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience in at least 4 of the following categories:
  • Software‑defined radio.
  • Signal processing.
  • Real‑time embedded software/firmware development.
  • Embedded Linux.
  • ARM processors and system on a chip (SoC) systems.
  • FPGA development using Verilog, VHDL, or high‑level synthesis tools.
  • Experience with Python or C programming.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Degree in Electrical Engineering highly preferred.
• Experience in digital signal processing.
• Experience working with RF or Photonic sensor systems.
• Experience with embedded processor and System on a Chip development for FPGA devices.
• Familiarity with the Linux environment and commands.
• Experience in rapid prototyping and hardware integration.
• Self‑motivated problem solver with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Self‑directed – Able to complete tasks with minimum oversight.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

The is an onsite position located in Columbia, MD and is eligible for relocation assistance.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in‑person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on‑site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.