Principal Embedded Software Architect (Top Secret Clearance Required)

STR • Arlington, VA

18h • $219,000 - $300,000

About The Position

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology capabilities focused on end-customer needs in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. Its work spans the solution lifecycle, from conceptualization and architecture through development and deployment, using novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems. Current efforts include airborne and space RF programs and advanced testing enabled by multi-function, multi-modal 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 teams.

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 leads system bring-up, integration, and test, ensuring performance, reliability, and maintainability 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.
• 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 including 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.
• 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 with a master’s degree; equivalent experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platforms and tools, including 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 embedded RF DSP concepts such as DDC/DUC, filtering, beamforming, and waveform generation, as well as 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 development of embedded software 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/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 test, including performance analysis, troubleshooting, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare and maintain architecture 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.

What This Job Offers

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