Embedded Software Engineer III

Specter Aerospace is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer III to develop and implement flight software for custom vehicle avionics and ground support systems. This position will provide technical ownership across the embedded software lifecycle, including architecture, requirements development, driver implementation, flight algorithm integration, testing, and vehicle integration.

A successful candidate will work closely with electrical, GNC, mechanical, and test engineers to deliver reliable embedded systems for Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs.

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our Embedded Software Engineer III will be based in our Boston (Seaport) office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software for custom flight avionics and ground support systems.
• Define software architecture, interfaces, and implementation approaches for assigned systems.
• Develop hardware drivers and communication interfaces for custom sensing and control hardware.
• Collaborate with GNC engineers to implement and validate flight control and navigation algorithms.
• Develop microcontroller software on bare metal and real-time operating systems such as QNX, VxWorks, or FreeRTOS.
• Integrate new sensors, actuators, communications interfaces, and flight capabilities into vehicle software.
• Develop hardware in the loop and software in the loop test systems.
• Lead assigned software through requirements, implementation, integration, testing, and documentation.
• Support vehicle integration, ground testing, flight testing, and post-test analysis.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and contribute to code reviews, technical meetings, and design discussions.

• Strong embedded C and C++ (C++17 and newer) skills
• Firm understanding of embedded debugging methodologies (e.g. in-circuit debugging, digital logic analyzer, oscilloscopes, etc.)
• Extensive experience with embedded Linux and RT-PREEMPT
• Understanding of common communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, layer-2 Ethernet)
• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, QNX, VxWorks) and bare-metal development
• Ability to review circuit board schematics to inform firmware and driver development
• Experience writing test tooling/scripting to optimize test data analysis and build relevant workflows
• Available for up to 10% travel for off-site ground & flight test activities

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required) Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or another related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded/software engineering or 3+ years with further relevant degrees
• Understanding of containerization (e.g. Docker/Podman)
• Experience establishing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines for embedded projects
• Experience with Yocto
• Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-1553 or DO-178C
• Familiarity with flight software development, specifically using WOSA
• Experience developing/implementing motor control algorithms on microcontrollers