Senior Embedded Software Engineer — Mission-Critical Defense

Leidos Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support mission-critical embedded software for missile defense systems. You will design, develop, integrate, and demonstrate advanced software in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with engineering teams and customers to deliver high-quality solutions.

The role requires strong communication, extensive C/C++, RTOS experience, and familiarity with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and test automation within safety-critical programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0+ from an accredited institution.
• 12+ years of relevant technical experience, or 10+ years with a master's.
• 5+ years real-time embedded system experience in defense/aerospace/safety-critical platforms.
• U.S. Citizenship required and DoD Secret clearance.
• Resident of North Alabama or willing to relocate to Huntsville area.
• Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with RTOS (VxWorks/Integrity/FreeRTOS).
• Experience with ARM Cortex/RISC-V and related MCUs.
• Experience with JTAG, oscilloscopes, and embedded debugging tools.
• Strong knowledge of Agile, DevOps, CI/CD and test automation; understands why on mission programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual design across full software stack for airborne/embedded systems.
• Lead and contribute to design, development, testing, and debugging of embedded software.
• Communicate with customers, end users, stakeholders, and team members.
• Apply software engineering principles across SDLC, including requirements and hardware compatibility analysis.
• Recommend new technologies and raise engineering practices aligned to goals.
• Mentor team members and contribute to delivery of complex projects.
• Identify improved workflows and AI-enabled development opportunities.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS

Embedded processors

Embedded debugging tools

Agile/DevOps/CI-CD

Test automation

Analytical skills

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering/CS/CE/EEE

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Jira

Git

GitLab

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support mission-critical embedded software for missile defense systems. You will design, develop, integrate, and demonstrate advanced software in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with engineering teams and customers to deliver high-quality solutions.

The role requires strong communication, extensive C/C++, RTOS experience, and familiarity with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and test automation within safety-critical programs.