Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Software Engineer

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

Job Description

Everforth ECS is seeking a

Job Description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Software Engineer to work onsite in Arlington, VA office. The successful candidate will have knowledge of all aspects of missile systems engineering in support of DoD missile systems programs. This role involves overseeing the management, auditing, and validation of embedded software rather than hands-on coding. You will work closely with hardware engineers to evaluate the impact of software changes on hardware systems. Specific knowledge and experience with AEGIS combat systems and missile systems is a plus. The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering design, development, test, and process management to include change control boards, engineering reviews, and ensuring design changes are fully qualified and compliant with engineering principles. Knowledge of systems engineering principles, best practices, agile development, and project management of missile systems development is highly desirable. Specific knowledge of the Standard Missile and Navy weapon systems is highly desirable. Travel potential to 25% of time.

Required Skills

• Active Top-Secret Clearance
• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in software design, development, testing, and process management
• Strong understanding of agile development methodologies and project management principles
• Proficiency in C++ and Python
• Experience with embedded software systems
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for mission-critical projects
• Customer-focused with a people/service-oriented mindset
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude
• Prior experience in DoD/military projects.
• Strong background in software management and auditing, with a focus on checks and balances rather than active software development.
• Familiarity with change control processes and software engineering design.
• Experience in embedded or real-time software, particularly in missile or defense systems.

Salary Range - $130,000 - $210,000

Desired Skills

• 20+ years of relevant experience
• Graduate degree

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.

Everforth ECS is the federal segment of Everforth, a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies. Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow.

We Value

• Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!

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