Senior Embedded Software Engineer (IA)
Heads Up Technologies
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Heads Up Technologies in Kirkland, WA, is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to architect, implement, and own embedded software for next-generation cabin systems.
You will lead a Yocto-based video encoder/decoder platform, integrate HDCP protection, work across Embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with hardware, FPGA, and product teams.
Qualifications
- BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- 8+ years of embedded software development experience.
Responsibilities
- Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products.
- Lead the video encoder/decoder platform with HDCP protection over IP.
- Develop and maintain device drivers for audio/video subsystems.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace and ALTO Aviation under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft. Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.
We are a team of engineers, innovators, creators, and problem solvers who are passionate about building smarter solutions for the aviation industry.
Through the combined strengths of our specialized brands and capabilities, Heads Up Technologies brings together deep technical expertise, modern design thinking, and a collaborative approach to support customers across every stage of the product lifecycle.
At Heads Up Technologies, our culture is grounded in shared values that guide how we work and grow.
Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and respect in everything we do.
Teamwork
We collaborate across teams and disciplines to achieve the best outcomes.
Excellence
We are committed to delivering high-quality work and continuously improving.
Expertise
We leverage our knowledge and experience to solve complex challenges
To elevate the aviation experience by delivering intelligent, integrated solutions powered by exceptional people.
Joining Heads Up Technologies means being part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation.
We offer an environment where employees are empowered to contribute, grow their careers, and make a direct impact on innovative products used across the globe. Whether you are developing technology or supporting business operations, your work here matters.
At Heads Up Technologies, we are committed to supporting the health, well being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees have access to a competitive benefits package designed to support life at work and beyond.
Benefits may include:
- Medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield (Company Paid)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account option with company contribution, if eligible
- Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Company paid Long Term Disability coverage
- Voluntary Short Term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness insurance
- Employee Assistance and Wellness Support resources
- Virtual care access
- Benefit Resource Center support
- Paid time off and paid holidays
Benefit eligibility and coverage are based on employment status, plan documents, and company policy. Official plan documents govern all benefits.
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will architect, implement, and own embedded
software across next-generation and fielded business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS).
Your primary project will be a Yocto-based video encoder/decoder platform that streams HDCPprotected content over IP for in-cabin distribution.You will work across Embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments—driving technicaldirection on video pipelines, HDCP integration, FPGA interfaces, and platform migration whilementoring junior engineers and collaborating closely with hardware, user-applications, FPGA,
systems, quality, and cross-company teams. This role owns complete subsystems end-to-end: from architecture through verification, fromnew product development through sustaining engineering of fielded product lines.
Schedule: 4x10 (Mon–Thu) or 5x8 (Mon–Fri), core hours 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Compensation: $160,000–$185,000 per year
Work Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen and authorized to work in the United States
- Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products, driving reliability and maintainability across
- Lead the video encoder/decoder platform, implementing HDCP-protected content streaming over IP for cabin-wide distribution (RX/TX), including FPGA PL/PS integration on Zynq-based designs.
- Develop and maintain device drivers for audio, video, and other subsystem modules using schematics and component datasheets.
- Debug and root-cause issues across SoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP), peripherals (I2C/SPI/UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet), and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast, RTP/RTSP) using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
- Mentor junior engineers, lead sustaining efforts, prioritize defect backlogs, and coordinate release planning with product management.
- Manage component obsolescence and end-of-life transitions; evaluate and integrate alternate parts with minimal design disruption.
- Maintain certification-aligned processes (requirements, code reviews, regression tests, verification evidence) and engineering best practices across fielded and new products.
- Collaborate cross-functionally across FPGA, hardware, manufacturing, quality, and field support teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- 8+ years of embedded software development experience.
Core Technical Skills
- Strong experience with embedded Linux, including Yocto/OpenEmbedded-based BSP development, kernel configuration, driver work, and PetaLinux migration.
- Hands-on experience with embedded video subsystems (RX/TX)—V4L2, GStreamer, or similar and familiarity with HDCP or similar content-protection protocols.
- Experience with ARM-based SoC architectures (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP i.MX), including device tree configuration, BSP bring-up, and driver-level integration.
- Strong debugging and root cause analysis across hardware/software boundaries using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
- Experience with communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) in distributed or networked embedded environments.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and digital hardware designs.
- Experience sustaining embedded products through their full lifecycle, including post-release maintenance and field issue resolution.
- Disciplined approach to regression testing, requirements traceability, and change-impact analysis.
- Proficiency with Git, code reviews, and design reviews; familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira/Confluence).
- Ability to ramp up on legacy codebases and make safe, well-scoped changes with minimal regression risk.
- Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership
- Experience with audio/video codecs, media processing, or IP-based
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