Staff/Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Woodward, Inc.; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Woodward is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, implement, test, and support advanced embedded software for aerospace products. You will lead safety-critical development and align with DO-178 family guidance, while driving cybersecurity best practices across teams.

The role includes mentoring engineers, shaping software architecture, and contributing to certification activities. A strong technical leader with cross‑functional influence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience designing embedded software for aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of DO-178C, DO-326A, DO-356A, and DO-355 guidance is preferred.
• Strong cybersecurity practices for aerospace software development.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional teams.
• Oversee software architecture design and system integration.
• Mentor engineers and drive continuous improvement in processes.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Strategic Planning

Complex Problem Solving

Project Management

Advanced Software Architecture

Cross Functional Leadership

Effective Communication

Analytical Thinking

Process Improvement

Strategic Networking

Innovative Solution Development

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Salary and Pay

Staff: Estimated annual base pay: $113,000 (minimum) - $147,000 (midpoint) - $181,000 (maximum)

Senior Staff: Estimated annual base pay: $145,000 (minimum) - $181,000 (midpoint) - $218,000 (maximum)

Benefits

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Summary:

The Embedded Software Engineer role is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supporting advanced embedded software systems for aerospace products, with a strong focus on safety-critical development and compliance with standards such as DO-178. In this position, the engineer also serves as a cybersecurity subject matter expert, providing technical leadership on secure software development practices aligned with aerospace guidance including DO-178C, DO-326A, DO-356A, and DO-355. The role includes developing cybersecurity roadmaps, assessing and mitigating risks across software architecture and build pipelines, and supporting certification, supply chain assurance, and future program needs. This position also helps drive technical innovation, mentors other engineers, and contributes to product and process improvements that strengthen the organization’s technical excellence and competitive position.

Staff:

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Guides cross functional teams in developing and implementing scalable software solutions to address complex business challenges.
• Solution Architecture: Designs and oversees the architecture of software systems, ensuring alignment with best practices and industry standards.
• Problem Solving: Leads the analysis and resolution of intricate technical issues, utilizing advanced analytical skills to identify innovative solutions.
• Strategic Advising: Partners with management to interpret business needs and recommend technology-driven improvements to enhance products and processes.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Mentors junior engineers and collaborates with internal and external subject matter experts to foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Key Skills:

• Advanced Software Architecture: Expertise in designing and implementing scalable, robust software architectures that address complex business requirements.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and collaborate with diverse teams across multiple disciplines to achieve project objectives.
• Complex Problem Solving: Skilled in analyzing intricate technical challenges and developing innovative, effective solutions.
• Technical Advisory: Acts as a trusted advisor to leadership on advanced technical projects, providing strategic guidance and best practices.
• Project Management: Proficient in managing medium-to-large-scale projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Effective Communication: Capable of conveying complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Analytical Thinking: Utilizes sophisticated analytical methods to evaluate data and inform decision making processes.
• Process Improvement: Identifies and implements technology driven enhancements to optimize products, processes, and services.
• Strategic Networking: Builds and maintains relationships with senior experts and stakeholders to support project and organizational goals.
• Innovative Solution Development: Demonstrates creativity in developing and applying new technologies to address business challenges.

Senior Staff:

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Serves as the primary technical expert, providing strategic guidance and direction to engineering teams and senior leadership.
• Strategic Planning: Anticipates industry trends and business challenges, recommending and implementing technology solutions that enhance products, processes, and services.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves unique, high impact technical issues, leveraging innovative and conceptual thinking to develop effective solutions.
• Project Management: Leads and oversees complex, high risk engineering projects, ensuring successful execution and alignment with organizational strategy.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicates complex technical concepts to senior executives and cross functional teams, persuading stakeholders to adopt strategic initiatives.

Key Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Provides expert guidance and mentorship in software engineering practices and technologies.
• Strategic Planning: Develops and contributes to the long term technical strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Complex Problem Solving: Analyzes and resolves unique and intricate technical challenges with broad business impact.
• Project Management: Manages high risk, high complexity projects from initiation through successful completion.
• Advanced Communication: Articulates complex technical concepts clearly to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Influence and Persuasion: Persuades senior level executives to adopt innovative technical solutions and viewpoints.
• Business Acumen: Anticipates industry trends and business needs to inform technology and product improvements.
• Innovative Thinking: Develops creative and effective solutions through conceptual and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Works seamlessly with diverse teams and subject matter experts across the organization.
• Resource Allocation: Directs and optimizes the distribution of resources for various service and product initiatives.

Successful candidates typically have:

• Staff: 4year Bachelors BS AND 10+ years equivalent experience Experience in DO-178 Aerospace is a plus
• Senior Staff: 4year Bachelors BS AND 12+ years equivalent experience Experience in DO-178 Aerospace is a plus

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

What does it mean to be part of Woodward?

It means contributing to what matters most in your career, in your community and around the world. It means being a part of rewarding experiences, where innovation, collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of what we do.

Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem-solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.