Lead Engineer - Embedded Software Development

Overview

Job Description Summary 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.

• Up to 10% travel to customer, GE, and supplier sites may be required annually.
• 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.

This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

• Design, implement, and integrate embedded 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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.

• 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…