Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Defense

ECS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Software Engineer to support DoD missile systems programs. This role emphasizes overseeing embedded software management, auditing, and validation rather than hands-on coding, and requires close collaboration with hardware engineers.

Candidates should have a TS clearance, 5+ years in design, development, test, and change control, plus experience with C++ and Python in embedded or real-time environments.

Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret Clearance is required.
• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of hands-on software design, development, testing, and process management.
• Strong familiarity with agile development and project management.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with embedded software systems.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for mission-critical projects.
• Customer-focused, service-oriented mindset and collaborative team player.
• Prior DoD/military project experience preferred.
• Experience in software management and auditing, focus on checks and balances.
• Familiarity with change control processes and software engineering design.
• Experience in embedded or real-time software for missile/defense systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management, auditing, and validation of embedded software rather than hands-on coding.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to assess impact of software changes on hardware.
• Ensure design changes are fully qualified and compliant with engineering principles.
• Support DoD missile systems programs and knowledge of Standard Missile and Navy systems is a plus.

Skills

Top-Secret Clearance

B.S. in Engineering

Software design

Agile methodologies

C++

Python

Embedded software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Travel 25%

Customer focus

Team player

DoD experience

Software audits

Change control

Missile systems

Education

BS in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Software Engineer to support DoD missile systems programs. This role emphasizes overseeing embedded software management, auditing, and validation rather than hands-on coding, and requires close collaboration with hardware engineers.

Candidates should have a TS clearance, 5+ years in design, development, test, and change control, plus experience with C++ and Python in embedded or real-time environments.