Lead Engineer - Embedded Software Development

Lead Engineer
- Embedded Software Development

GE Aerospace's Platform Software team builds the embedded software that powers critical avionics functions across both civil and military aircraft. We develop firmware, board support packages (BSPs), and boot loaders. Real-time operating system (RTOS) integrations, including ARINC 653 IMA platforms. Common services such as data loaders, built-in tests (BIT/BITE), and health monitoring.

We are looking for a Lead Engineer
- Embedded Software Development leader who will take a key role in designing, implementing, and verifying embedded software for one or more platform product areas. This role is ideal for someone with solid embedded real-time experience and some exposure to DO 178C who wants to grow into a subject matter expert / technical lead over time.

The location for this position is Grand Rapids, MI on at least a hybrid basis (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office):
An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.

What you'll do:

• Design, implement, and integrate embedded C/C++ software on GE Aerospace computing hardware and RTOS platforms.
• Collaborate with Systems and Hardware engineers to refine software requirements and interfaces.
• Develop unit and integration tests, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing to verify that the software meets its intended functionality.
• Participate in software aspects of DO‑178C certification, including producing and reviewing design, code, and test artifacts.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues found during integration, lab testing, and flight test.

Product area ownership (growing to SME):

• Develop a deep understanding of an assigned product area (e.g., RTOS integration, BSP, boot loader, or common services).
• Contribute to the technical design and documentation for that product area.
• Work closely with Systems, Hardware, Safety, Security, Quality, and Certification teams to ensure robust and certifiable solutions.
• Provide peer reviews, guidance, and mentoring to more junior engineers as your expertise grows.

Continuous improvement:

• Help identify and drive improvements in our development and verification processes, tools, and automation.
• Support the use of Product Line Engineering (PLE) concepts and reuse of software components and artifacts across programs.
• Apply Lean and Agile practices to deliver high-quality software on time.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in embedded real-time software development, including:
• Strong proficiency in C/C++
• Experience developing on real-time operating systems or bare-metal targets
• Hands-on experience in a safety-critical, high-reliability, or highly regulated environment (e.g., avionics, automotive, medical, industrial control, defense).
• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience on one or more DO‑178B/C projects (development or verification, any DAL level).
• Exposure to ARINC‑653 integrated modular avionics (IMA) operating systems or other partitioned RTOS.
• Experience with built-in test (BIT/BITE), health monitoring, or low-level board support (BSP/firmware).
• Familiarity with DO‑254, DO‑297, ARP‑4754/4754A or similar systems/hardware standards.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams.
• Master's degree in an Engineering-related field.
• Strong communication skills and interest in mentoring and growing into a technical lead / SME role.

Why this role is attractive at this level:

• Impactful work:
  Contribute to safety-critical avionics platforms used in real aircraft across civil and military markets.
• Growth path:
  Clear line of sight to Lead / SME / Architect roles as you build expertise in DO‑178C, ARINC‑653, and GE's platform products.
• Breadth of exposure:
  Work across multiple product lines (flight management, mission systems, networking, health and data management).
• Supportive environment:
  Hybrid work, relocation support, and collaboration with experienced engineers in avionics, systems, and certification.

The base pay range for this position is $95,000.00 - $. The specific pay offered may be…