Research Development Embedded Software Engineer

Green Key Resources; Aberdeen (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Green Key Resources is seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Research & Development team and help create next-generation autonomous and unmanned systems. This role collaborates with customers, operators, and multidisciplinary teams to translate mission requirements into robust embedded solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a BS or MS in a relevant field, 5+ years in embedded software for real-time or safety-critical systems, and strong C/C++ skills, RTOS experience,

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering field or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of embedded software development in aerospace, robotics, or related industries.
• Strong C/C++ proficiency and experience with RTOS and hardware interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of embedded software from concept through production deployment.
• Collaborate with customers and end users to define requirements and tailor software.
• Drive rapid development cycles, incorporating feedback and mission needs into updates.
• Design and deploy flight control, autonomy, and ground control software.
• Architect cross-disciplinary software integrating hardware, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Evaluate sensors, processors, and software frameworks to enable future capabilities.
• Assist in selecting microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory, and supporting hardware.
• Work with electrical and systems engineers to resolve hardware-software integration issues.
• Develop testing frameworks, simulations, and validation processes.
• Support customer demonstrations and field testing.
• Analyze system performance and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to roadmaps, product strategy, and platform development.
• Create technical documentation, design artifacts, test plans, and deployment procedures.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded systems

RTOS experience

Real-time / safety-critical systems

System integration

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Research & Development team and help create next-generation autonomous and unmanned systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of innovation, customer engagement, and rapid product development.

You will work directly with customers, operators, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to understand mission requirements, develop custom solutions, and rapidly iterate products from concept through field deployment. Success in this role requires strong technical depth, a systems-thinking mindset, and a passion for solving complex real-world challenges through continuous innovation and experimentation.

Responsibilites.

• Lead the development of innovative embedded software solutions from concept, research, and prototyping through production deployment.
• Collaborate directly with customers and end users to understand operational requirements, gather feedback, and develop tailored software capabilities.
• Drive rapid development and continuous iteration cycles, incorporating customer insights, testing results, and evolving mission needs into product improvements.
• Design, develop, configure, and deploy flight control, autonomy, and ground control software for unmanned aerial and ground systems.
• Architect software solutions that integrate seamlessly across hardware, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering disciplines.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, processors, sensors, and software frameworks to support future product capabilities and R&D initiatives.
• Assist in the selection and integration of microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory architectures, and supporting hardware components.
• Work closely with electrical and systems engineers to troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware-software integration challenges.
• Develop software infrastructure, testing frameworks, simulation environments, and validation processes to accelerate product development and improve quality.
• Support customer demonstrations, field testing, design reviews, and operational evaluations.
• Analyze system performance, identify root causes of technical issues, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, product strategy, and future platform development efforts.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, software design artifacts, test plans, verification reports, and deployment procedures.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience developing embedded software for complex systems, preferably in aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, defense, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through development, testing, deployment, and customer support.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.
• Experience working in research and development environments involving rapid prototyping, experimentation, and continuous product iteration.
• Experience developing software for real-time, mission-critical, or safety-critical applications.
• Familiarity with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and integration with hardware devices such as EEPROM, FPGA, ASIC, sensors, and communication modules.
• Experience with autonomous, semi-autonomous, or intelligent control systems is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of embedded communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, USB, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, and related interfaces.
• Hands-on experience with system integration, hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation testing.
• Strong analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers, suppliers, and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience translating customer requirements into practical technical solutions is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Information

• This role requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to make meaningful contributions within a fast-paced startup environment from day one.
• Occasional travel within the United States may be required to support customer engagements, field testing, product demonstrations, integration activities, and design reviews.
• Successful candidates will enjoy working closely with customers, rapidly developing and refining solutions, and helping shape the future of autonomous and unmanned systems technologies.