Principal Embedded Software Engineer

HRU Tech seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer for an on-site role in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This contract-to-hire opportunity centers on real-time embedded software development for defense programs, with leadership responsibilities for eligible candidates.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and validate real-time embedded software for defense-grade systems.
• Support all phases of the software lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture, design, implementation, unit testing, hardware/software integration, verification, and validation.
• Create software for Linux-based real-time environments and bare-metal configurations.
• Assist with both simulated and live system testing activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Ensure software solutions meet customer, technical, quality, cybersecurity, and performance criteria.
• Promote secure software development practices and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Troubleshoot complex software issues and contribute to technical problem solving.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their technical growth.
• Lead software engineering activities across assigned programs, projects, or work directives.
• Develop software project schedules, execution plans, and resource allocation strategies.
• Monitor technical performance, cost, schedule, and quality metrics.
• Assist with software verification planning and execution.
• Coordinate with Safety Engineering to ensure proper implementation of safety-critical software requirements.
• Participate in and support formal milestone reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR.
• Oversee assigned Control Accounts and/or Work Packages.
• Support EVMS reporting and Estimates at Complete.
• Provide technical direction, tasking, and work assignments to project personnel.
• Communicate program status, risks, technical updates, and resource needs to leadership and customers.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to meet program objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Software Quality Assurance and Configuration Management processes.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field; Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Electrical Engineering degrees are preferred.
• Minimum of one of the following:
• 6+ years of embedded software development and/or testing experience
• 4+ years of experience with a Master's degree
• 2+ years of experience with a PhD
• Experience with real-time embedded software development
• Programming experience in C, C++, and Python
• Experience with Linux operating systems and/or bare-metal embedded development
• Experience with object-oriented software design and development
• Familiarity with Ethernet communications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to solve complex technical design, development, integration, and testing challenges
• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers and cross-functional engineering teams
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed

Team Lead Qualifications

• Working knowledge of EVMS principles
• Experience as a Control Account Manager and/or Work Package Manager
• Experience leading small software development teams
• Ability to provide technical direction and coordinate work across software engineering personnel
• Strong presentation, communication, and meeting facilitation skills
• Experience communicating technical status, risks, issues, and recommendations to leadership and customers

Preferred Qualifications

• Ada programming experience
• Experience with Git, GitLab, and Jira
• Experience with Qt Framework and QML
• Experience with DOORS
• Familiarity with CMMI development processes
• Experience with Nessus and Coverity cybersecurity scanning tools
• Experience with system hardening and STIG implementation
• Familiarity with military and commercial design standards
• Cybersecurity and Risk Management Framework knowledge
• Experience obtaining or maintaining ATO compliance
• Weapon systems and/or combat vehicle experience
• Active Secret Clearance

Technologies

• C
• C++
• Python
• Linux
• Qt Framework
• QML
• DOORS
• Git
• GitLab
• Jira
• Nessus
• Coverity
• Ada
• STIG
• EVMS

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• 7 paid holidays
• 10 days PTO
• Additional PTO available in direct hire

Candidate Requirements

This role supports a major defense contractor and requires U.S. citizenship due to the need to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance. An active clearance is not required to start; however, candidates must meet citizenship requirements for future clearance eligibility. Permanent residents or those on temporary work visas (for example, F1-CPT, F1-OPT, H-1B, TN) are not eligible.

Location

Sterling Heights, MI on site role

Compensation

USD 73.69 per hour. Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours beyond 40 in a workweek.

Overview

HRU Technical Resources is partnering with a leading defense contractor to hire Principal Embedded Software Engineers for multiple openings. The positions involve development, integration, and testing of real-time embedded software for sophisticated defense programs within a collaborative engineering environment.

Work Environment

This is a day shift role on a 9/80 schedule: nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, plus an eight-hour Friday every other week off. There may be occasional overtime, paid at 1.5x. The role is on site with no remote work. Background checks and drug screenings may be required, including cannabis testing. HRU is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a diverse, inclusive workplace.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your current resume. You will receive feedback the same day and be invited to an online screening to review requirements and ask questions. After the screening, you will receive additional guidance on next steps. The overall process from submission to advancement typically takes under 24 hours.