Principal Embedded Software Architect (Top Secret Clearance Required)

STR•Arlington, VA

About The Position

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology capabilities focused on end-customer needs in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. It considers the full solution lifecycle, from conceptualization and architecture through development and deployment, and uses novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems. Current efforts include airborne and space RF programs and advanced testing enabled by multifunction, multimodal capabilities. STR is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Architect to define and lead embedded software architecture for advanced RF systems, including software-defined radios, digital receivers and exciters, and radar subsystems built around MPSoC platforms. The role combines hands-on C/C++ and embedded Linux development with technical leadership across FPGA, RF, digital hardware, and systems engineering. The architect owns the embedded software stack integrating high-speed data converters, FPGAs, and multicore processors, with emphasis on data acquisition, streaming, timing, and deterministic control. The position drives system bring-up, integration, and testing to meet performance, reliability, and maintainability requirements for operationally relevant environments.

Requirements

Active Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ for real-time, resource-constrained systems.
Experience with embedded Linux, including drivers, BSPs, and kernel-level interfaces.
Solid understanding of hardware/software interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, DMA, and memory-mapped registers.
Hands-on debugging experience using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
Demonstrated experience architecting and integrating complex embedded systems involving MPSoCs/SoCs, FPGAs, and high-speed ADCs/DACs for RF or similar data-intensive applications.
Proven technical leadership experience guiding multidisciplinary teams, translating system requirements into embedded architectures, leading design reviews, and mentoring engineers.
At least 8 years of applicable experience with a bachelor’s degree, or at least 5 years of applicable experience with a master’s degree.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platforms and tools such as Vivado, Vitis, and PetaLinux.
Practical experience with digital receiver/exciter systems, SDR, radar, phased arrays, or EW systems; familiarity with JESD204B/C, coherent multichannel timing, and clock distribution.
Familiarity with DSP concepts relevant to embedded RF, including DDC/DUC, filtering, beamforming, and waveform generation, and with radar/EW timing and synchronization.
Experience with multithreaded programming, IPC, and synchronization in embedded Linux; familiarity with Yocto/Buildroot and high-throughput interfaces such as PCIe and 10/25/100 GbE.
Experience developing reusable embedded frameworks/HALs and leading full lifecycle development—from requirements and architecture through implementation, integration, and verification—for aerospace/defense or other high-reliability applications.

Responsibilities

Architect and lead embedded software development for MPSoC-based RF systems, from requirements through deployment.
Define hardware/software partitions and interfaces; develop production-quality C/C++ and embedded Linux software, including drivers, BSPs, low-level control, and application-level services.
Bring up new boards and platforms with FPGA, RF, and hardware teams; configure and control high-speed ADCs/DACs, JESD links, and clocking and timing devices.
Design, implement, and optimize data acquisition and streaming paths between FPGAs and processors, ensuring coherent timing, deterministic latency, and high-throughput operation.
Lead system-level integration and testing, including performance analysis, troubleshooting, and risk mitigation.
Prepare and maintain architecture documents, interface control documents (ICDs), and technical specifications.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to embedded and firmware engineers; lead design reviews, set development standards, and communicate status and technical decisions to stakeholders and customers.