Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Pixels on Target LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the United States is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced thermal optic products. This is a full-time, on-site position combining hands-on engineering and technical leadership. Responsibilities include defining system architecture, integrating hardware and software, and leading a team. Ideal candidates have 10+ years of experience, especially in embedded systems and strong knowledge of embedded software architecture. US Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• Proven leadership in complex, real-time systems.
• Experience with AI/ML workload integration on NPUs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced thermal optic products.
• Define and drive system architecture.
• Integrate hardware and software for high-performance products.

Skills

Embedded software development

Linux Video4Linux2 (V4L2)

Device driver development

Embedded software architecture

C, C++, Python

Hardware debugging

Networking (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

GCC

CMake

Visual Studio

Yocto

Buildroot

Job description

Overview

Pixels on Target, based in Sunrise, FL, is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge thermal optic products that give our customers unmatched overmatch capabilities in the most demanding environments. We leverage disruptive technologies, including advanced imaging, machine learning, and embedded systems, to deliver customized solutions for specific mission requirements — whether that means developing new systems from the ground up or enhancing existing designs to push the limits of performance.

Role Description

We are seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced thermal optic products, with a focus on embedded software architecture, device driver development, and camera/video system integration. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring both hands-on engineering (approximately 70%) and technical leadership (approximately 30%).

You will define and drive system architecture, lead a team of engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software into high-performance, power-efficient products. These products will feature cutting-edge image processing pipelines, camera systems leveraging V4L2, and embedded AI/ML workloads on NPUs.

US Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required due to the nature of our work.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development, with proven leadership in complex, real-time systems.
• Strong experience with Linux Video4Linux2 (V4L2) framework, including custom driver development, camera control, and streaming optimization.
• Proven expertise in embedded software architecture, modular design, scalable frameworks, and high-performance system optimization.
• Hands-on experience with device driver development, kernel-level programming, and hardware interfacing.
• Deep knowledge of ISP (Image Signal Processing) pipelines, camera integration, tuning, and troubleshooting image quality and latency issues.
• Familiarity with GStreamer or other multimedia frameworks for camera and video processing.
• Expertise in Embedded Linux (Yocto/Buildroot) and RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr).
• Proficiency in C, C++, Python, and experience with ARM and x86 assembly.
• Strong experience in board bring-up, bootloaders, BSP development, and integration of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
• Hardware debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and similar tools.
• Experience with low-power design techniques, including DVFS and other optimization strategies.
• Familiarity with secure boot, OTA updates, and embedded security best practices.
• Proven ability to integrate AI/ML workloads on NPUs and optimize performance on constrained platforms.
• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring engineering teams, setting technical direction, and delivering on schedule.

Technical Skills

• Tools: GCC, CMake, Visual Studio, Yocto, Buildroot.
• Debugging: GDB, KDB, JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers.
• Networking & Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB.
• System-Level Skills: Microservices architecture, REST API integration for embedded systems.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) or equivalent.
• Certification in Embedded Systems or related technologies.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional problem-solving skills for complex, multidisciplinary systems.
• Clear communicator — able to explain deep technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Collaborative mindset with a track record of working seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for end-to-end system performance.