Lead Embedded Software Architect

Scientific Research Corporation • North Charleston, SC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Embedded Software Architect to guide the technical evolution of the next-generation USMC software-defined radio (SDR) Operating Environment (OE). In this role, you will serve as the contractor team's lead software architect, designing next-generation, high-performance tactical radio operating environments built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) aligned with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard. This project is modernizing tactical communications by transitioning mission-critical waveforms (e.g., SINCGARS, WREN, MUOS) into modern, containerized software running across high-performance General-Purpose Processors (GPPs), Single Board Computers (SBCs), and SDR hardware. Working in close coordination with the Government Technical Lead and program leadership, you will make foundational decisions on software modularity, inter-process communication (IPC), container orchestration, and timing services, while actively contributing to core implementation, code reviews, and hardware-software integration. This role is ideal for an experienced senior engineer who enjoys shaping architectural direction while remaining actively engaged in the codebase.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field, plus eight or more years of progressive embedded software development experience
• Minimum of three years in a lead or architect capacity making software architectural decisions, system trade-offs, and multi-threaded interface design
• Demonstrated expertise in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and C targeting General-Purpose Processors (ARM64, x86_64) running embedded Linux environments
• Practical experience designing, packaging, or running containerized workloads (e.g., Docker, Podman, OCI containers, lightweight Kubernetes/K3s) on Linux systems
• In-depth understanding of embedded Linux OS internals, POSIX APIs, multi-threading, concurrency, memory management, and high-throughput inter-process communications (e.g., shared memory, ZeroMQ, gRPC, sockets)
• Hands-on experience developing software interfaces for hardware peripherals and standard embedded buses (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet/IP, Serial UART/RS-422/485, SPI, I2C)
• Strong technical communication and presentation skills, with demonstrable experience authoring Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and discussing technical trade-offs with customer counterparts
• Active DoD Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience developing or porting waveforms within Software Defined Radio (SDR) frameworks, specifically Software Communications Architecture (SCA 2.2.2 or 4.1), REDHAWK SDR, or GNU Radio
• Hands-on experience with Object Request Brokers (ORBs) and middleware such as CORBA (omniORB), eRPC, or DDS
• Domain knowledge of tactical military waveforms such as SINCGARS, WREN/SRW, MUOS, Link 16, or HF/VHF/UHF line-of-sight communications
• Working knowledge of DoD Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) initiatives including SOSA, CMOSS, MORA (VICTORY), or OpenVPX
• Experience configuring and maintaining embedded Linux distributions via Yocto Project, Buildroot, or PetaLinux
• Familiarity with NSA cryptographic integration, software safety/security certification processes, and cross-domain solution principles
• Familiarity interfacing with FPGA coprocessors (Xilinx/AMD Zynq UltraScale+) and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)

Responsibilities

• Owning the software architectural design for a containerized, SCA-compliant Operating Environment (OE), defining core interfaces for vocoder services, high-precision timing (PNT), serial I/O, data bus management, etc.
• Partnering closely with the Government Technical Lead, program management, and systems engineering to translate mission requirements into robust architectural milestones and interface designs
• Making foundational technical decisions regarding inter-process communication (IPC), container virtualization, memory footprints, and latency budgets for resource-constrained, disconnected tactical edge platforms
• Writing, testing, and refactoring mission-critical C/C++ services, middleware, and integration harnesses; actively participate in daily implementation, code reviews, and technical spike investigations
• Guiding software-to-hardware integration across SOSA-aligned chassis, GPPs (ARM64/x86_64), SDR transceivers, DSPs, and FPGA-based subsystems
• Authoring and governing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), architectural design documents (ADDs), and system interface specifications adhering to open systems standards (SOSA, CMOSS, MORA)
• Architecting the software operating environment to support rigorous Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity frameworks and NSA Type-1 cryptographic/tamper boundary requirements
• Providing technical mentorship to software developers on the team, assisting with trade studies, troubleshooting, and code quality

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401(k) with a company match
• life insurance
• vacation and sick paid time off accruals with amounts increasing based on role and years of service
• 11 paid holidays
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior