Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Compensation: $160,000 – $180,000 / year + Full Benefits

Clearance:
Active US DoD Secret Security Clearance Required

Travel:
Less than 10%

A leading aerospace and defence organization is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to guide the development of mission‑critical embedded systems in Herndon, VA.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role focused on driving the adoption of Rust, modernizing legacy software, and delivering maintainable, memory‑safe solutions for complex real‑time platforms. You will set engineering direction across multiple product lines, mentor software teams, and remain closely involved across requirements, architecture, hardware‑software integration, and formal testing.

• Technical Leadership:
  Guide multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), providing technical direction and mentoring junior engineers.
• Rust Adoption:
  Drive the deployment of Rust—including associated techniques, idioms, design patterns, and tooling—and guide the conversion/integration of legacy C/C++ embedded software.
• Full Lifecycle Engineering:
  Translate operational requirements into working software, collaborate with hardware/systems teams on interface design, write test plans, and oversee defect resolution.
• Real‑Time Development:
  Develop embedded software using Rust, C, C++, and Python for RTOS environments such as VxWorks, Linux, and Integrity.
• Program Management Support:
  Support EVM tracking, software proposal packages, cost estimation, and software planning efforts.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field + 9+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master’s degree + 7+ years of relevant experience;

OR

• 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Leadership: 3+ years leading software development teams, including 2+ years in an Agile software‑lead or comparable technical leadership role.
• Rust Expertise:
  Professional software development experience in Rust.
• C/C++ & Design: 5+ years of C or C++ development and object‑oriented design experience.
• Program Execution: 5+ years of Earned Value Management (EVM) tracking experience and 3+ years leading software proposals (including cost estimates and proposal packages).
• Clearance & Logistics:
  Active US DoD Secret Security Clearance and US work authorization without sponsorship.

• Development of embedded real‑time systems, device drivers, and Board Support Packages (BSPs).
• Object‑oriented design using UML or tools like IBM Rhapsody, Magic Draw, or Cameo.
• Background in Information Assurance, cryptography, NSA Type 1 certification, or safety/certification standards such as DO-178.
• Strong written, verbal, and technical communication skills.

• Senior technical leadership role shaping next‑generation defence platforms.
• Opportunity to lead architecture modernization using cutting‑edge memory‑safe practices (Rust).
• Comprehensive benefits package and long‑term product responsibility.