Space-Grade Embedded Software Engineering Lead

Trident Systems; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Trident Systems seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineering Manager in Fairfax, VA to lead a team delivering embedded real-time software for complex hardware-integrated systems.

The role blends people leadership with hands-on technical contribution, focusing on architecture, development, integration and testing across programs. Strong DoD/space experience is valued; travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree OR 10+ years for a Graduate degree.
• Experience developing embedded/real-time software using C/C++, with embedded Linux/RTOS.
• Strong hands-on software development and debugging experience.
• Experience with hardware/software, Ethernet, networking, and serial interfaces.
• Experience with system-level integration.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineers or technical teams.
• Strong software lifecycle understanding from requirements through verification.
• Experience planning and estimating software development activities.
• Ability to manage resources and priorities across multiple programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop embedded software engineers and technical leads.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain engineering talent.
• Conduct performance management, career development, coaching, and goal setting.
• Develop staffing plans and allocate resources across programs with leadership.
• Support software estimates, schedules, proposals, and development planning.
• Monitor execution against cost, schedule, staffing, and commitments; identify risks.
• Provide technical leadership for embedded software architecture, design, development, integration and test.
• Contribute to software development, integration debugging, or problem solving as needed.
• Participate in reviews (requirements, architecture, design, code, release-readiness).
• Promote software engineering practices (traceability, config mgmt, peer reviews, testing).
• Promote CI/CD, automated testing, static analysis, reusable software.
• Collaborate with Systems, Hardware, Verification, Cybersecurity, DevOps, QA, PM.
• Resolve complex hardware/software and system integration issues.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, continuous improvement.
• Maintain hands-on capability to contribute to development and debugging.

Skills

Embedded software leadership

C/C++

RTOS/Embedded Linux

Staffing & mentoring

Software architecture

Program management

Communication skills

Hardware/software integration

DoD/IC domain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/CE

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Automated testing

Job description

Trident Systems seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineering Manager in Fairfax, VA to lead a team delivering embedded real-time software for complex hardware-integrated systems.

The role blends people leadership with hands-on technical contribution, focusing on architecture, development, integration and testing across programs. Strong DoD/space experience is valued; travel as needed.