Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Attalon, Inc.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Attalon, Inc. in New Jersey is looking for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to develop advanced laser systems for defense applications. The role requires collaboration across teams to define software requirements and design quality safety-critical software.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in embedded software development, particularly in C/C++. A strong understanding of embedded systems is critical, as this role supports high-energy laser technologies.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in embedded software development, or 10+ with a Master’s.
• Experience in coding languages including C and C++.
• Strong understanding of embedded processor platforms.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and document software for assigned programs.
• Create design documentation including Software Requirements Documents.
• Work as a member of a cross-disciplinary team.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded Systems

Hardware/Software Integration

RTOS

Python

FPGA

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Master’s in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Job description

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

The Emerging Laser Subsystems Business Unit at Attalon Inc. is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to help drive the development of next‑generation laser systems for defense applications. In this role, you will collaborate closely with systems, electrical, and optical engineering teams to define software requirements, create interface specifications, and design, integrate, and test embedded software. The Principal Embedded Software Engineer will play a key role in shaping platform and architecture decisions, while remaining hands‑on throughout the entire software development lifecycle to ensure delivery of high‑quality, safety‑critical software.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and document software for assigned programs.
• Create design documentation including Software Requirements Documents, block diagrams, Software Design Documents, and Interface Control Documents.
• Work as a member of a cross‑disciplinary team of systems engineers, optical engineers, electrical engineers, and FPGA engineers.
• Develop software (primarily embedded) to meet the requirements of the system under development.
• Write software scripts and tools to support software development and system test.
• Develop Software Test Plans and support integration and test activities from initial board‑level bring‑up through final system test.
• Participate in writing proposals and providing cost and schedule estimates in support of new business pursuits.
• Make accurate detailed work plans for complex embedded systems/projects; take the lead in planning and executing software tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field with 12+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• 12+ years of experience coding in languages including C and C++.
• 8+ years of experience architecting, designing and documenting software solutions and interfaces for embedded systems.
• 8+ years of experience with board bring‑up, hardware/software integration, driver development and debugging embedded systems in a lab environment.
• Strong understanding of embedded processor platforms and familiarity with microcontrollers (ARM, STMicro or similar), FPGAs and system‑on‑chip devices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related technical field with 15+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• 15+ years of experience developing software for RTOS and/or embedded Linux environments, spanning microcontroller platforms and device‑level interfaces.
• Prior experience developing and integrating embedded networking stacks and implementing/debugging serial device drivers.
• Prior experience with AMD/Xilinx platforms, including interfacing embedded software with FPGA‑based subsystems.
• Prior experience in developing user interfaces (C#, python or similar) for embedded product testing and integration.
• Prior experience with high‑reliability systems for defense and/or space.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.