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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Embedded Software Engineer - **Company:** Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), CAN Bus, CMake, Code Review, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Memory Management, Middleware, Embedded Software, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), FreeRTOS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Software Architecture, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Powerpc, Reduced Instruction Set Computing, Secure Coding, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Toolchain, VxWorks, PIC Microcontroller, Git, Information Technology, Build Tools, DO-178B, Software Version Control, Jenkins - **Published:** September 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/1198355e-f3e0-4471-8090-10e620501716/senior-principal-embedded-software-engineer ## About the Role The ideal candidate has a proven track record of delivering flight-certified code and navigating the complexities of DoD acquisition programs., * Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering; Master's degree preferred. * Experience: 15+ years of professional experience in embedded software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to DoD aerospace or missile defense programs. * C/C++ Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C and C++ (including C++11/14/17 standards) specifically tailored for resource-constrained embedded systems. * Low-Level Expertise: Deep understanding of microprocessor architectures (ARM, PowerPC, RISC-V), memory management, interrupt handling, and DMA. * Toolchain Proficiency: Expert experience with cross-compilers (GCC, LLVM), version control (Git), and automated build systems (CMake, Jenkins). * Cybersecurity & Safety: Familiarity with software airworthiness certification (e.g., DO-178C) and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements for secure software. * Security: Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret preferred. ## Description Position Overview IS4S is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the design and implementation of flight software for next-generation missile systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This is a leadership-heavy technical role requiring an expert in C/C++ and low-level embedded development. You will be responsible for the software architecture that drives Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms, sensor fusion, and mission logic in highly constrained, real-time environments., * Software Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural definition of embedded software for complex weapon systems and autonomous platforms, ensuring modularity, scalability, and strict real-time performance. * Embedded Development: Develop, low-level drivers, middleware, and application-layer software in C and C++ for various microcontrollers, DSPs, and FPGAs (SoC). * RTOS Management: Architect software solutions utilizing Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity, focusing on deterministic behavior and thread safety. * Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate closely with electrical and systems engineers to bring up new hardware, perform hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, and debug complex timing issues using logic analyzers and JTAG debuggers. * Flight Control & GNC Support: Implement and optimize flight control laws and navigation algorithms (EKF, GPS/INS) developed by the GNC team for efficient execution on embedded targets. * Technical Leadership: Drive the software development lifecycle (SDLC) through formal DoD milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR). Lead code reviews and mentor junior developers in embedded best practices and secure coding standards. * Protocol Implementation: Develop and maintain communication stacks for military-standard protocols, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN bus, and Mavlink. ## Related Videos - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [The Road to MLOps: How Verivox Transitioned to AWS](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1050-the-road-to-mlops-how-verivox-transitioned-to-aws) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Software Security 101: Secure Coding Basics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/220-software-security-101-secure-coding-basics) - [Our GitOps approach for deploying an Identity Provider and an API Gateway in a SaaS company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/776-our-gitops-approach-for-deploying-an-identity-provider-and-an-api-gateway-in-a-saas-company) ## Related Articles - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know)