Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Leidos is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to help develop mission-critical embedded software and firmware for missile defense systems. This onsite role in Huntsville, AL blends hands-on engineering with opportunities to shape software capabilities end to end, from architecture and implementation to integration, testing, and demonstrations in a fast-paced environment.

You will work across the full stack for airborne systems, applying engineering best practices throughout the SDLC, supporting integration across distributed networks, and contributing to the tools and infrastructure that enable a fully integrated solution.

Responsibilities

• Own conceptual design across the full stack of software for airborne systems, including embedded software architectural design and code implementation
• Perform team peer review, unit testing, and support cohesive integration of loosely coupled software modules within subsystems and across distributed networks
• Use DevOps and CI/CD pipelines to support development and integration workflows
• Develop software tools, harnesses, and infrastructures that support a fully integrated solution
• Lead and contribute to design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of embedded software systems
• Maintain frequent, direct communication with customers, end users, internal stakeholders, and team members
• Apply established software engineering principles, standards, and best practices across the full software development life cycle, including software requirements analysis and hardware compatibility analysis
• Recommend and implement new technologies, tools, and standards aligned to organizational goals
• Lead and mentor other team members while contributing to delivery of complex projects aligned with technical strategy and execution plans
• Identify improved development workflows, tools, and engineering practices, including emerging AI-enabled development capabilities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with an overall GPA of 3.0+
• 12+ years of relevant technical experience, or 10+ years with a master’s degree in a related field
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
• Relevant experience developing, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting embedded software or embedded-adjacent applications that interface with, operate, monitor, support, simulate, control, or communicate with embedded systems
• Resident of North Alabama or willing to relocate to the Huntsville-North Alabama area
• Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development
• Experience with a real-time operating system such as VxWorks, Integrity, or FreeRTOS
• Proficiency with embedded processors and microcontrollers (for example ARM Cortex or RISC-V)
• Experience with embedded debugging tools (such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or GDB)
• Experience with modern software development practices including Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and test automation

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of real-time embedded system experience in defense, aerospace, or safety-critical platforms
• Experience with high-speed guided weapons systems, flight controls systems, or similar embedded solutions
• Experience developing large-scale embedded, high-performance systems with a high level of determinism
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Prior experience working in highly regulated or mission-critical environments (e.g., aerospace or defense sectors)
• Experience with software safety standards (DO-178C, MIL-STD-882e)
• Experience with Agile management tools and concepts such as Jira
• Experience with software configuration management tools such as Git and GitLab
• Proven experience mentoring developers across multiple experience levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for highly complex technical challenges
• Ability to work independently on well-defined tasks and contribute in a collaborative team environment

Technologies

• C/C++
• VxWorks, Integrity, FreeRTOS
• ARM Cortex, RISC-V
• JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, GDB
• Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, test automation

Benefits

• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement

Compensation

Pay Range: $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 per year.

Original Posting Date: September 28, 2026.

For U.S. positions: while subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days, with an anticipated close date no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date listed above.