Principal Software Engineer (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Middletown (RI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX BBN Technologies in Middletown, RI is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design, develop and integrate high-performance embedded real-time software on heterogeneous hardware platforms, including multi-processor systems and FPGAs. The role requires working with DoD-grade requirements and DoD security clearance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience in embedded C/C++, RTOS environments such as VxWorks or Green Hills, and strong skills in signal processing and performance

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 8+ years of experience.
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance on day one.
• Experience with embedded RTOS and C/C++ across hardware/software environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance embedded real-time software on multi-processor/FPGA systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test and optimize performance.
• Integrate components into a larger system for real-world testing.
• Mentor and coach junior staff.
• Support design reviews and proposals.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

RTOS experience

Real-time software

Signal processing

Performance optimization

Education

B.S./B.E. in STEM

Tools

VxWorks

Green Hills

Integrity

Wind River

Linux

MATLAB

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-16 Country: United States of America Location: US-RI-MIDDLETOWN-201 ~ 127 John Clarke Rd ~ BBN MIDDLETOWN, Ste 3 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 RTX Corporation is an Aerospace and Defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 185,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, VA. RTX BBN Technologies is an organization which values work/life balance and encourages lifelong learning of new technologies. For over 70 years, scientists and engineers in diverse disciplines at RTX BBN Technologies have collaborated to solve real-world problems through research, exploration, development and prototyping. We challenge the status quo, pioneer new technologies, and create transformative solutions. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer with experience in real-time embedded C language system development to join our Physical Sciences & Systems business unit located a stone’s throw from seaside Newport, Rhode Island.

Responsibilities

• Linux and VxWorks real-time software development on a wide range of embedded multi-threaded platforms, integrating with custom hardware, implementation of high-performance embedded solutions, middleware, and implementing control, detection, and tracking algorithms developed by the systems engineering team.
• The ideal candidate enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary role and is comfortable adapting to and identifying new technologies as needed. This candidate would have eight or more years of experience in implementing and maintaining high performance software, as well as a solid understanding of computer architectures, networking, device drivers, analog and digital interfaces, with experience across multiple real-time operating systems (RTOS). A strong background in signal processing and performance optimization would also be highly sought after.

What You Will Do

Design, develop, implement, test, debug and integrate high performance embedded real-time software within heterogeneous systems composed of multiple processor types and FPGAs, with external sensor and control interfaces for deployed DoD real-time software systems hosted on embedded hardware.

Collaborate with a cross-functional team testing your contributions and analyzing performance.

Integrate components you develop into a larger system in preparation for real world testing and deployment.

Teaching, coaching, and mentoring less experienced staff.

Contributing to proposals as well as preliminary and critical design reviews.

Travel required up to 15%

What You Will Learn

Involvement in the technical components of solving our customer’s most complex problems. Work with world-class researchers and engineers who embrace innovation and challenge the status quo. Experience in a highly visible software development team, exposure to the Navy acquisition process, and opportunity to learn new technologies and gain new embedded development experiences.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior experience.
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance is required on day one.
• Experience including at least two of the following: Embedded C/C++ Software, High Performance Computer Systems, Embedded Real-Time Sensors and Control Applications, Software Architecture Design and Implementation.
• Experience using embedded Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) (e.g., Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, Linux, etc.)
• Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software.
• Experience We Prefer Ada programming language. Proficiency using C/C++. Familiarity with digital signal processing algorithms and software. Knowledge of linear algebra concepts. Experience using the VSIPL high performance vector library or another vector processing library. Proficiency in MATLAB and/or optimizing algorithms in C/C++. Experience with real-time processing optimization.

What We Offer

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

Location

This position is onsite at our Middletown, RI. headquarters Relocation assistance available To help you achieve your goals, BBN will provide: A strong leadership team well-versed in government R&D. A collaborative and collegial environment to push state-of-the-art research. A technically competent pool of research scientists who are willing to mentor, listen, and help you refine your research vision and goals. Business development, programmatic, contracting, finance, and HR support. Access, through RTX, to opportunities that help transition your research and ultimately see it fielded. 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.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

Additional Information

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.

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RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.