Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4

Description

The team builds space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs in the Space Systems organization in Dulles, VA.

The role can be filled as Principal (level 3) or Sr Principal (level 4), based on experience and qualifications.

Most of the work is done inside a SCIF.

The role suits someone self-motivated, proactive and goal-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Write embedded software modules that interact directly with hardware over UART, synchronous serial, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, SPI, and discrete digital and analog IO.
• Build and configure board support packages and integrate device drivers.
• Help define flight-software requirements and the testing and verification plan, working with other disciplines.
• Run trade studies using computer simulation or kits and development boards.
• Integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform, alongside several engineers.
• Take part in hardware definition and in software design, development, debugging and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
• Analyze system resources to improve efficiency, stability and processing speed.
• Diagnose root causes of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance testing and operational events, working with software developers and other engineers as needed.
• Write design documentation, analyses, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
• Work across varied assignments and collaborative teams at every level.

Requirements

• Level 3: a bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, computer or software engineering, or a related STEM field, with 5 years of relevant professional experience; or a master's in those fields with 3 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in those fields.
• Level 4: a bachelor's degree in those fields with 8 years of relevant professional experience; or a master's with 6 years; or a PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• An active U.S. Government Top-Secret clearance and SCI access at the time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable time. US citizenship required.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++, Python and Matlab.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
• Ability to debug hardware and software.
• Ability to use revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
• Ability to document technical and programmatic status clearly for management.
• Preferred: active TS/SCI clearance with SAP.
• Preferred: system knowledge in Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, or Visualization.
• Preferred: familiarity with static code analysis tools such as Coverity, SonarQube and Fortify.
• Preferred: hardware interfacing, integration and test, and controls experience.
• Preferred: understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices.
• Preferred: ability to integrate flight software with simulation models of sensors, actuators and space environments to show closed-loop spacecraft performance, plus general integration and test of aerospace systems.
• Preferred: understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools.
• Preferred: strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to work with all levels of staff and management.
• Preferred: experience developing software in a Linux environment.
• Preferred: experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.
• Preferred: ability to read schematics and work with component datasheets.
• Preferred: experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553 and SpaceWire electrical interfaces.

Conditions

Work is 100% onsite; telecommuting cannot be accommodated.

Schedule is 9/80, with every other Friday off.

Travel is 10% of the time.

Clearance is required to start, and the role depends on obtaining final clearances and program access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company.

Primary level salary range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00. Secondary level salary range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00. These are general guidelines; base pay depends on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills and market conditions.

The application period is estimated at 20 days from the posting date, and may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Depending on the position, overtime, shift differential and a discretionary bonus may apply in addition to base pay. The annual bonus rewards individual contribution and shared company results.
• Long Term Incentives may be available for Vice President and Director positions.
• Health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid company holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.