Senior Embedded Software Developer

General Atomics; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking a Software Developer for the CSS group in Herndon, VA to design and implement embedded software for spacecraft avionics, payloads, and ground support equipment, leveraging extensive C/C++ and Linux experience.

You will collaborate with engineers and program managers across disciplines, pursue technical leadership on projects, and ensure documentation, testing, and delivery of robust software in a secure national‑security environment; US citizenship and Top Secret

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, information systems or related discipline with progressive software development experience.
• Strong coding skills in C and/or C++, with extensive Linux experience and embedded software development background.
• Ability to lead and guide less experienced staff, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and deliver on contracts and projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software for spacecraft avionics, payloads, and ground support equipment; create utilities for deeply embedded systems.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure documentation, testing, maintenance, and updates are completed.
• Communicate with customers, management, and senior personnel; contribute to new business opportunities and program leadership.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Linux development

Embedded development

Security and communication

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GCC

Makefiles

Shell scripting

OpenCV

Cross-compiling

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We have an exciting opportunity for a Software Developer to join our CSS group located in Herndon, VA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Significant focus on developing embedded software code for spacecraft bus avionics, spacecraft payloads, and ground support equipment. Includes development of special utilities for support development on deeply embedded systems.
• Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates completed.
• Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle, represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations, and participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business.
• Determines technical objectives for solution(s) to advanced technical engineering problems.
• May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
• Plans and coordinates the maintenance of engineering solutions including documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solution(s) in an evolving environment.
• Plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in engineering technology.
• Participates in or may lead the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Note that this position will be on a 9x80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in computer science, information systems or related discipline and progressive software development experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals; the capability of representing the organization as a prime technical contact; and the ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• High proficiency in C programming language (and/or C++) is required.
• Extensive experience with software development in the Linux environment (command line, GCC, Makefiles, shell scripting, etc.)
• Embedded development experience including cross-compiling to separate targets, and testing/development on highly-embedded systems.
• Expertise in all aspects of the satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and operations is desired.
• Experience with image processing (filtering, thresholding, calculating statistics, other opencv library functions) is desired.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self- initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• US Citizenship is required as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 128,130 - 229,358