Lead Embedded Software Engineer
Summary
Lead Embedded Software Engineer at an aerospace and defense organization in Herndon, VA (100% onsite), providing hands-on technical leadership for mission-critical real-time embedded systems. Drives Rust adoption and modernization of legacy C/C++ code on RTOS platforms like VxWorks, Linux, and Integrity; requires an active US DoD Secret clearance.
Job Description
Role: Lead Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Herndon, Virginia (100% Onsite)
Compensation: $160,000 – $180,000 / year + Full Benefits
Clearance: Active US DoD Secret Security Clearance Required
Travel: Less than 10%
Work Authorization: US Citizens / No Sponsorship Available
ABOUT THE ROLE
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Development of embedded real-time systems, device drivers, and Board Support Packages (BSPs).
- Object-oriented design using UML or tools like IBM Rhapsody, MagicDraw, 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.
WHY JOIN US?
- 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.