Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4)

Apollo Professional Solutions, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Apollo Professional Solutions, Inc. seeks a Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4) for embedded systems in Huntsville, AL.

This contract role focuses on hands-on development of real-time embedded control software for propulsion and aerospace systems, supporting the full software lifecycle in a fast-paced lab and test environment. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in embedded RTOS environments, strong C/C++ skills, and experience with safety-critical, mission-critical software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a technical discipline with ≥6 years embedded software experience.
• Master's or 10+ years experience can substitute for degree.
• Experience across full software lifecycle in real-time embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate real-time embedded control software.
• Support lifecycle phases: requirements, design, implementation, testing, documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance, reliability, and safety.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded Systems

Safety-Critical

Documentation

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a technical field

Master's Degree with 4+ years

10+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

NI Linux

Red Hat Linux

QNX

RTOS

Job description

Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4) - Embedded Systems

Location: Huntsville, AL

Employment Type: Contract

Security Clearance Required: Active Secret Clearance Required at Start

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required (Dual Citizenship May Impact Eligibility)

Travel: Up to 10% (including support at test sites in Virginia, California, and Alabama)

Career Growth: Potential Opportunity for Direct-Hire Conversion

Open Positions: 2

Advance Mission-Critical Embedded Software Development

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4) to join a team developing real-time embedded control and application software for advanced propulsion and aerospace systems. This is a hands-on engineering role supporting the complete software development lifecycle in a fast-paced laboratory and test environment. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in embedded systems, real-time software development, and safety-critical applications, along with a passion for solving complex technical challenges. This role may also support live engine and system test activities, offering a unique opportunity to see your software operate in real-world environments.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Integration (90%)

Participate in the design, development, and integration of real-time embedded control software and application software. Support all phases of the software lifecycle, including: Requirements analysis System and software design Implementation and coding Unit testing Integration testing Verification activities Develop and maintain software documentation throughout the development lifecycle. Contribute to internal technical reviews, customer reviews, and program milestone reviews. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure software performance, reliability, and compliance with program objectives. Support hardware and software integration activities in laboratory and test environments.

Process Improvement & Engineering Excellence (10%)

Analyze software metrics and development data to identify process improvement opportunities. Evaluate software engineering methodologies, tools, and best practices. Assist with refining metric collection methods and software development processes. Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance software quality, efficiency, and organizational maturity.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; OR Master's Degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; OR 10+ years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.

Professional Experience

• 6+ years of experience developing embedded real-time software systems.
• 6+ years of hands-on C/C++ software development experience.
• Experience working on safety-critical, mission-critical, or human-rated software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain comprehensive software development documentation across the full software lifecycle.
• Proven success working within collaborative engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including: NI Linux Integrity Red Hat Linux QNX
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as: MIL-STD-1553 TCP/IP RS-422 SPI
• Experience using UML and model-based design tools including: Enterprise Architect Rhapsody Cameo
• Hardware and software integration experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.
• Experience with software development IDEs and lifecycle management tools.
• Understanding of CMMI Level 3 or higher software development processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Why Join This Opportunity?

This position offers the chance to contribute to advanced aerospace, propulsion, embedded systems, and mission-critical software programs while working alongside experienced engineering professionals. You'll gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, real-world system testing, and complex software architectures in a highly collaborative environment.

Keywords: Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer, Real-Time Software Engineer, C++, C Developer, RTOS Engineer, Aerospace Software Engineer, Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, Software Integration, Mission-Critical Software, Safety-Critical Software, Human-Rated Systems, Huntsville AL Jobs, Secret Clearance Jobs, Defense Engineering Jobs, Contract Software Engineer.