Staff Embedded Firmware Architect - RF Space Systems

CACI International Inc.; Colorado Springs, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. seeks a senior staff-level embedded software engineer to lead architecture, development, and delivery of embedded systems for RF communications. The role emphasizes low-level, performance-critical work, design direction, and mentoring in a mission-focused environment.

The position is located on-site at our Colorado Springs, CO office, with travel up to 10% and a leadership-driven culture focused on reliability and security for space hardware programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (or related field), with 8+ years in embedded software.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets.
• Strong systems fundamentals (memory models, concurrency, synchronization, interrupts, cache/NUMA effects, DMA).
• Strong experience with an RTOS and/or embedded Linux on ARM and SoC platforms; bootloaders, device trees, BSPs, and kernel/driver development.
• Understanding of common embedded protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422, PCIe, AXI, Ethernet, GPIO, DMA).
• Experience with PCB designs and schematic reviews.
• Ability to collaborate closely with RF, FPGA, systems, and test teams.
• Experience debugging mixed HW/SW issues.
• Ability to work on multiple efforts concurrently.
• Familiarity with agile development using Atlassian tools.
• Strong documentation habits and contributions to ICDs and design artifacts.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (10+ years in embedded software).
• Exposure to satellite communications systems; CCSDS and space-communications standards.
• Practical RF lab skills with spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, RF fixtures.
• Knowledge of SDR technologies.
• Experience with Rust, Python, and Protobuf IDL tooling.
• Hands-on integration with FPGAs; Xilinx/AMD toolchains.
• Secure boot, TPM, and cryptographic techniques.
• Experience designing for reliability in radiation environments.
• Track record of technical leadership: architecture setting, design reviews, mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and implementation of embedded software to deliver robust, consistent performance while meeting interface and radiation constraints.
• Support board bring-up and low-level driver development; integrate with FPGA logic and DSP blocks.
• Design, configure, and optimize embedded Linux solutions.
• Collaborate with RF and systems teams on radio architectures; contribute to ICDs and system requirements.
• Design for reliability, resiliency, and safety in space environments.
• Engineer secure boot, cryptographic key management, and secure firmware update mechanisms; drive compliance with security guidelines.
• Establish and/or contribute to CI/CD for embedded targets; support static analysis and unit/integration testing.
• Mentor and elevate the team: design reviews, code reviews, and architectural documentation.
• Collaborate with program management and customers to define milestones, de-risk schedules, and deliver production-quality software for mission operations.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded

RTOS/Embedded Linux

ARM SoC platforms

Memory models & concurrency

Bootloaders & device trees

Embedded protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, RS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Xilinx/AMD toolchains

Job description

CACI International Inc. seeks a senior staff-level embedded software engineer to lead architecture, development, and delivery of embedded systems for RF communications. The role emphasizes low-level, performance-critical work, design direction, and mentoring in a mission-focused environment.

The position is located on-site at our Colorado Springs, CO office, with travel up to 10% and a leadership-driven culture focused on reliability and security for space hardware programs.