Senior Embedded Software Engineer-Active Secret Clearance

Data Based Development Systems; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Data Based Development Systems is seeking an experienced Embedded C++ Software Engineer to join a highly technical team that builds mission-critical systems integrating software, firmware and hardware.

You will influence architecture, work hands-on with real-time embedded technology, and mentor engineers throughout the lifecycle from design through testing and reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM field.
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with embedded C++ and RTOS environments.
• Experience integrating hardware, firmware and software.
• Active Secret clearance required.
• Experience participating in design reviews and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and debug embedded real-time software for complex systems.
• Develop high-performance C++ software in embedded environments.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware and test teams across the lifecycle.
• Work with RTOS such as VxWorks, INTEGRITY, Embedded Linux.
• Lead and mentor other engineers across programs.

Skills

Embedded C++

RTOS development

Software architecture

Hardware/software integration

Defense/mission-critical

Technical leadership

Security clearance (Secret)

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Wind River VxWorks

Green Hills INTEGRITY

Embedded Linux

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Embedded C++ Software Engineer to join a highly technical engineering team developing sophisticated, mission-critical systems that integrate software, firmware, and hardware.

This is an opportunity for a senior engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, influencing system architecture, and working hands‑on with real‑time embedded technology. You will contribute throughout the engineering lifecycle—from architecture and design through implementation, integration, testing, debugging, and design reviews—while helping mentor and guide other engineers.

If you have a strong background in C++, embedded software, RTOS environments, and hardware/software integration and currently hold an active Secret clearance, we would like to speak with you.

What You’ll Do

• Architect, design, develop, integrate, test, and debug embedded real-time software for complex systems.
• Develop high-performance software primarily using C++ in embedded environments.
• Work with heterogeneous systems combining hardware, firmware, and software.
• Develop and integrate software within Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, Green Hills INTEGRITY, Linux, or similar environments.
• Partner with systems, hardware, firmware, test, and other engineering disciplines to take products from concept through implementation.
• Troubleshoot challenging system‑level issues involving interactions between hardware and software.
• Improve system performance, reliability, testability, and measurable product quality.
• Participate in Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), technical reviews, and proposal efforts.
• Provide technical leadership and help mentor and coach less‑experienced engineers.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across the broader product line.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or another STEM discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong professional experience with at least two of the following:
• Embedded C++ software development
• Embedded software security
• Software architecture and design
• Software implementation and integration
• Experience developing software using an embedded RTOS, such as:
• Wind River VxWorks
• Green Hills INTEGRITY
• Embedded Linux
• Similar real-time operating systems
• Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Active and transferable final U.S. Government Secret security clearance required prior to start, with the ability to obtain additional program access.

Highly Desired Experience

You do not need to have every item below. Experience in several of these areas will make you especially competitive:

• Embedded or real‑time C/C++ development
• RTOS architecture and development
• Layered software architecture and embedded design patterns
• Rate monotonic scheduling theory and real‑time system design
• Reading and interpreting electrical schematics
• Understanding firmware source such as VHDL or Verilog
• Assembly language experience with one or more processor/controller families
• Hardware/software integration and bring‑up
• Logic analyzers
• Digital multimeters
• Power supplies
• Technical leadership or experience leading engineering teams through complex system deliveries
• Experience working within defense, aerospace, space, military, or other mission‑critical engineering environments

Why This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional software development position. You’ll work close to the hardware on technically challenging systems where performance, reliability, security, and real‑time behavior matter.

You’ll have the opportunity to influence architecture, solve difficult system‑level problems, collaborate with experienced engineers across multiple disciplines, and provide technical leadership on programs supporting critical missions.

For an experienced cleared embedded engineer who wants to remain hands‑on technically while having a meaningful influence on system design and engineering direction, this is an excellent opportunity.