Staff Embedded Software Engineer Colorado Springs, CO, US

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

Job Title: Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Local

Anticipated Posting End: 11/27/2026

The Opportunity:

CACI is seeking a senior staff-level embedded software engineer with deep electrical engineering and computer science experience to lead the architecture, development, and delivery of embedded systems for RF communications. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in low-level, performance-critical environments, can drive design decisions, and enjoys mentoring others while setting technical direction for the platform.

This position is located on-site at our Colorado Springs, CO office.

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 interface control documents (ICDs) and system requirements.
• Design for reliability, resiliency, and safety in space environments.
• Engineer secure boot, cryptographic key management, and secure, robust firmware update mechanisms; drive compliance with relevant security guidelines.
• Establish and/or contribute to continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) for embedded targets, and support static analysis and unit/integration testing.
• Mentor and elevate the team: perform design reviews, code reviews, and technical coaching; author clear architecture and design documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with program management and customers to define milestones, de-risk schedules, and deliver production-quality software for mission operations.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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 (e.g., memory models, concurrency, synchronization, interrupts, cache/NUMA effects, DMA).
• Strong experience with an RTOS and/or embedded Linux on ARM and SoC platforms; comfortable with 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.

Desired:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (or related field), with 10+ years in embedded software.
• Exposure to satellite communications systems; familiarity with CCSDS and space-communications standards and constraints.
• Practical RF lab skills, including the use of spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and RF test fixtures.
• Knowledge of software-defined radio (SDR) technologies.
• Experience with the Rust language, Python, and the Protocol Buffers (Protobuf) IDL and tooling.
• Hands-on integration with FPGAs; familiarity with Xilinx/AMD toolchains.
• Secure boot, TPM, and cryptographic techniques.
• Experience designing for reliability in radiation environments.
• Track record of technical leadership: setting architecture, reviewing designs, mentoring engineers, and driving high-quality execution.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$98,500-$206,800

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.