Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc.
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Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Liffrig - Fort Walton Beach · 100 Pamela Ann Dr Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 · Full-Time · Engineers
$100,000–$200,000/annual

Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Missiles & UAS)

Position Overview IS4S is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the design and implementation of flight software for next-generation missile systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This is a leadership-heavy technical role requiring an expert in C/C++ and low-level embedded development. You will be responsible for the software architecture that drives Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms, sensor fusion, and mission logic in highly constrained, real-time environments.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of delivering flight-certified code and navigating the complexities of DoD acquisition programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Software Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural definition of embedded software for complex weapon systems and autonomous platforms, ensuring modularity, scalability, and strict real-time performance.
  • Embedded Development: Develop, low-level drivers, middleware, and application-layer software in C and C++ for various microcontrollers, DSPs, and FPGAs (SoC).
  • RTOS Management: Architect software solutions utilizing Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity, focusing on deterministic behavior and thread safety.
  • Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate closely with electrical and systems engineers to bring up new hardware, perform hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, and debug complex timing issues using logic analyzers and JTAG debuggers.
  • Flight Control & GNC Support: Implement and optimize flight control laws and navigation algorithms (EKF, GPS/INS) developed by the GNC team for efficient execution on embedded targets.
  • Technical Leadership: Drive the software development lifecycle (SDLC) through formal DoD milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR). Lead code reviews and mentor junior developers in embedded best practices and secure coding standards.
  • Protocol Implementation: Develop and maintain communication stacks for military-standard protocols, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN bus, and Mavlink.

Technical Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience: 15+ years of professional experience in embedded software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to DoD aerospace or missile defense programs.
  • C/C++ Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C and C++ (including C++11/14/17 standards) specifically tailored for resource-constrained embedded systems.
  • Low-Level Expertise: Deep understanding of microprocessor architectures (ARM, PowerPC, RISC-V), memory management, interrupt handling, and DMA.
  • Toolchain Proficiency: Expert experience with cross-compilers (GCC, LLVM), version control (Git), and automated build systems (CMake, Jenkins).
  • Cybersecurity & Safety: Familiarity with software airworthiness certification (e.g., DO-178C) and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements for secure software.
  • Security: Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret preferred.

Benefits Summary

  • Competitive salary with comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Dynamic and collaborative work environment
  • Employee ownership
  • Medical, dental, and vision care plans
  • Paid time-off and parental leave programs
  • Group term life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Tuition Assistance, Training, and education development offerings

IS4S: Speed with Discipline

Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) is an employee-owned and controlled small business that provides a wide range of engineering and management solutions to the United States Armed Forces and other government and commercial agencies. We specialize in advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies, systems engineering and integration, software development, open systems architectures, computational physics, additive manufacturing, energetics, electromagnetics, avionics, vehicle electronics, and many other innovative technologies. 

We are headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with additional offices located in these areas:  

We also have a growing remote workforce across the United States, including embedded teams at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.   

Our mission is to solve important problems for our customers in an environment where doing the right thing is more important than profit, and where our company is fully owned, operated, and controlled by ethical, motivated employees. 

IS4S was founded in 2008 by experienced engineers and managers who realized the need to ensure that our government, military, and commercial customers have an alternative to the defense contractor “status quo.” The IS4S approach to systems integration and development is based on a time proven premise: giving the customer the best value solution is always the right answer. We believe that there is no better way to build our business than to build our customer’s business with high value, technically innovative solutions and services. 
  
IS4S is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

 

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Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

$100,000–$200,000/annual

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