Software Engineer

The Ed Wallach Search Group; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ed Wallach Search Group seeks an experienced Staff Software Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced Linux-based software systems. You will work hands-on with C/C++, Linux kernel development, and embedded Linux, while guiding architecture and customer-focused solutions for mission-critical systems.

You will engage with customers, Business Development, and internal teams to translate operational needs into scalable technical solutions, supporting proposals and program capture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years with a bachelor’s degree, or 6+ years with a master’s degree. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Advanced experience in software engineering, including C, C++, Linux kernel development, and Linux-based application development.
• Strong proficiency in Linux shell scripting, command-line tools, automation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing, maintaining, and deploying software in production environments.
• Working knowledge of Yocto-based embedded Linux development, including recipes, layers, and build configurations.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design principles, scalability, maintainability, and system performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical problem-solving and make sound architectural decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate customer needs into effective technical solutions.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead software architecture and design decisions, establish technical direction, and guide the development of complex software systems.
• Software Development: Develop, deploy, and maintain Linux-based applications using C, C++, and Linux kernel technologies.
• Embedded Linux: Build and maintain Yocto-based Linux distributions, including recipes, layers, and configuration files.
• System Optimization: Use Linux shell scripting and command-line tools to automate workflows, troubleshoot issues, and improve system performance.
• Customer Engagement: Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate them into practical technical solutions.
• Solution Development: Develop technical concepts, evaluate alternatives, and present solutions supported by sound business cases.
• Business Development Support: Partner with Business Development to support proposals, bids, contractual requirements, and program capture activities.
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering strong engineering practices and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align software solutions with system requirements, manufacturing processes, and production environments.
• Quality and Compliance: Ensure software development activities comply with internal ISO standards and established engineering processes.
• Strategic Contribution: Apply technical expertise and business insight to product innovation, program planning, and long-term technology decisions.

Skills

C/C++

Linux kernel development

Embedded Linux

Yocto-based development

Linux shell scripting

Technical leadership

Customer engagement

System architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Yocto

Git

Job description

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Security Clearance: N/A

We are seeking an experienced Staff Software Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced Linux-based software systems, with expertise in C/C++, Linux kernel development, and embedded software. This role combines hands-on engineering, technical leadership, and customer engagement to deliver innovative solutions for complex mission requirements.

You will work closely with customers, Business Development, and internal engineering teams to translate operational needs into technical solutions, define system architectures, and support business proposals and program capture efforts. The role supports stratospheric balloon and radar systems, along with associated engineering, flight, and field services.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead software architecture and design decisions, establish technical direction, and guide the development of complex software systems.


• Software Development: Develop, deploy, and maintain Linux-based applications using C, C++, and Linux kernel technologies.


• Embedded Linux: Build and maintain Yocto-based Linux distributions, including recipes, layers, and configuration files.


• System Optimization: Use Linux shell scripting and command-line tools to automate workflows, troubleshoot issues, and improve system performance.


• Customer Engagement: Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate them into practical technical solutions.


• Solution Development: Develop technical concepts, evaluate alternatives, and present solutions supported by sound business cases.


• Business Development Support: Partner with Business Development to support proposals, bids, contractual requirements, and program capture activities.


• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering strong engineering practices and continuous improvement.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align software solutions with system requirements, manufacturing processes, and production environments.


• Quality and Compliance: Ensure software development activities comply with internal ISO standards and established engineering processes.


• Strategic Contribution: Apply technical expertise and business insight to product innovation, program planning, and long-term technology decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.


• 8+ years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 6+ years with a master’s degree. Equivalent experience may be considered.


• Advanced experience in software engineering, including C, C++, Linux kernel development, and Linux-based application development.


• Strong proficiency in Linux shell scripting, command-line tools, automation, and troubleshooting.


• Experience developing, maintaining, and deploying software in production environments.


• Working knowledge of Yocto-based embedded Linux development, including recipes, layers, and build configurations.


• Strong understanding of software architecture, design principles, scalability, maintainability, and system performance.


• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical problem-solving and make sound architectural decisions.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate customer needs into effective technical solutions.


• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating software into manufacturing or production environments.


• Familiarity with quality management systems and ISO-compliant development processes.


• Experience supporting customer-facing technical proposals, solution development, or business capture activities.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who combines deep Linux and software engineering expertise with strong problem-solving, communication, and mentoring skills. You can navigate complex technical challenges, make sound architectural decisions, and work directly with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable solutions that meet both mission and business objectives.