Sr. Embedded Software Engineer - Platform

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical insurance options

401(k) with 50% match

Wellness Program

Employee Purchase Program

Job summary

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is seeking an experienced software engineer to design and implement embedded Linux software for a modern aircraft software platform. The role requires strong expertise in C/C++, Golang, and Rust, as well as understanding of distributed systems principles.

Located in Irvine, CA, the position offers hybrid work opportunities along with a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will develop complex software solutions and contribute to the improvement of onboard messaging systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of current hands-on development experience with C/C++, Golang, Rust, or embedded Linux software.
• Experience working with structured data models and system state modeling.
• Ability to effectively interact with senior internal and external personnel.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, and implement complex embedded software solutions for onboard data distribution.
• Define and manage onboard messaging topology using Zenoh.
• Code, integrate, test, debug, and refine software for platform solutions.

Skills

C/C++

Golang

Rust

Embedded Linux development

Distributed systems

Data-centric messaging technologies

Observability concepts

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Sciences, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

Zenoh

DDS

MQTT

Containers

Docker

Job description

Overview

Our new global headquarters is conveniently located in Irvine, CA, near John Wayne Airport in the Park Place development. For onsite and hybrid employees, you will enjoy amenities such as access to many restaurants and shops, running trails, a fitness deck, outdoor seating, dry cleaning, car wash, free garage parking, car charging stations, shuttle service for train commuters, and outdoor games like bocce, horseshoes, gaming tables, pickle ball, and basketball.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight entertainment and communication products such as movies, games, live TV, Wi‑Fi, and Internet services. We are expanding our GEO connectivity network into the LEO space. With over 40 years of history, we offer stability, career growth opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive culture.

Position

Panasonic is developing a modern aircraft software platform built around a data‑first architecture that uses shared system state, digital twins, and distributed communication patterns to enable scalable, resilient, and observable onboard systems. In this role, you will help design and implement embedded Linux software and foundational platform services that support the PAC Fabric, data‑centric APIs, functional and device models, hardware abstraction, and service integration across aircraft head‑end, seat‑end, and ground‑connected environments.

Responsibilities

What we’re looking for:

• Design, modify, and implement complex embedded software solutions for onboard data distribution, messaging infrastructure, and platform services.
• Define, implement, and manage onboard messaging topology using Zenoh and related data‑centric messaging technologies, including routing strategies and partitioning.
• Configure and optimize data distribution paths based on system constraints, performance needs, and reliability requirements.
• Code, integrate, test, debug, and refine software to produce scalable, reliable, and maintainable platform solutions.
• Develop tooling to visualize, troubleshoot, and validate messaging topology, data flows, and system state.
• Enable observability through telemetry, tracing, metrics, and service health reporting.
• Review, evaluate, and analyze system designs, interfaces, integration approaches, and data flow requirements.
• Prepare, review, and evaluate interface documentation, specifications, test plans, and procedures.
• Assist in definition, analysis, and allocation of requirements.
• Document designs in engineering documents including functional block diagrams, data models, and data/logic flow charts.
• Maintain the developed software efficiently through familiarity with software lifecycles.
• Provide leadership and/or technical guidance to lower‑level engineers, designers, and support personnel as assigned.

Knowledge / Skill Requirements

• Strong proven experience in C/C++, Golang, or Rust development; Golang and Rust are preferred, but strong C++ experience is acceptable.
• Experience developing software under Linux in embedded or resource‑constrained environments.
• Experience with data‑centric distributed messaging systems such as Zenoh, DDS, MQTT, or similar technologies.
• Experience designing messaging topologies, routing strategies, and partitioning approaches in embedded environments.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems principles, including reliability, scalability, fault tolerance, and service integration.
• Experience working with structured data models, schema evolution, and system state modeling.
• Understanding of secure data distribution, access control, and software security practices.
• Experience integrating legacy systems through adapters, bridges, or translation layers.
• Familiarity with observability concepts including telemetry, tracing, metrics, and service health monitoring.
• Familiarity with digital twin concepts and system state modeling is desirable.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals such as TCP/UDP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, DNS, and DHCP is helpful, but deep network administration experience is not required.
• Familiarity with containers, virtualization, Docker, or similar deployment technologies is desirable.
• Ability to resolve complex problems quickly and efficiently in embedded, distributed, and performance‑constrained system environments.
• Ability to work well in a fast‑paced environment with user‑centric, iterative design and development cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and make efficient use of resources such as system lab time, downstream process owners, and dependent tasks.
• Experience leading and/or providing technical guidance to other engineers.
• Uses skills as a seasoned experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures.
• Resolves a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways.
• Works on problems of diverse to complex scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of variable factors.
• Ability to effectively interact with senior internal and external personnel.
• Demonstrated engineering communication expertise including concise written and verbal skills is a must.
• Familiarity with DevOps CI/CD pipelines and GitLab.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies and environments.
• In‑Flight Entertainment domain knowledge and system development experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Sciences, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree is desired.
• 8+ years of current hands‑on development experience with one or more of the following: C/C++, Golang, Rust, embedded Linux software, distributed systems, or data‑centric messaging solutions.

Other Requirements

May require travel up to 5% of the time to domestic and/or international locations.

Salary

The salary range of $116,000 to $194,000 is just one component of Panasonic’s total package. The final offer amount may vary based on factors such as knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives. The minimum hourly wage for this role will be the greater of the posted range or the minimum.

Benefits

• We offer flexible‑hybrid work opportunities.
• Paid time off: Exempt salaried employees receive unlimited PTO. Non‑exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year plus a paid company‑wide shut‑down in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year.
• Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA & HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.
• 401(k) with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, fully vested from day 1.
• Other offerings include: Wellness Program, Counseling services, FSA & HSA, Life Insurance for employee, spouse and child, AD&D Insurance, Long‑term and Short‑term disability, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Dependent Care FLSA, Education Assistance, Commuter Program, Employee Purchase Program, Service Award Program.

EEO Statement

Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Aff¹ Amendment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre‑employment drug testing is required for safety‑sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S.