Principal Embedded Systems & LIDAR Software Engineer

Woolpert•Kiln, MS

4d•$87,100 - $108,900•Remote

About The Position

Woolpert is seeking an Embedded Systems & Sensor Software Engineer to join our growing Advanced Sensing team. This role will lead the development of software, embedded systems, and operator experiences for next-generation airborne LiDAR and remote sensing platforms. The position serves as the technical bridge between sensor hardware, avionics, aircraft operations, data acquisition systems, calibration workflows, maintenance processes, and end-user applications. The successful candidate will own the software architecture that enables sensor operation from hardware control through field deployment, diagnostics, and lifecycle support. This is a highly visible technical leadership role responsible for transforming advanced sensor technology into reliable, scalable, and intuitive operational systems. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum 7 years of professional software engineering experience.
Minimum 3 years working with embedded systems or hardware-integrated software.
Demonstrated success leading software development for complex technical systems.
Experience supporting products from concept through operational deployment.
C++
Python
C
C#
Rust
Linux
Embedded Linux
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
Qt or similar UI frameworks
Ethernet
USB
Serial interfaces
CAN Bus
PCIe
Timing and synchronization systems
High-speed data acquisition architectures
Git
CI/CD workflows
Automated testing frameworks
Requirements management tools

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of embedded software architectures for airborne LiDAR and imaging systems.
Develop and maintain software supporting sensor control, data acquisition, timing and synchronization, hardware monitoring, communications interfaces, and health and status reporting.
Define software requirements and system interfaces across hardware, firmware, and application layers.
Integrate software with laser subsystems, LIDAR sensor, detector electronics, GNSS/INS systems, cameras, aircraft interfaces, and data storage systems.
Support laboratory integration, aircraft integration, and operational deployment activities.
Lead development of intuitive operator and maintenance interfaces.
Design software that simplifies sensor startup, mission execution, calibration procedures, diagnostic workflows, and maintenance activities.
Partner with flight crews and field engineers to improve operational efficiency and reduce training requirements.
Develop health monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions.
Create automated diagnostic and fault reporting capabilities.
Support root-cause investigations for field issues and system failures.
Drive strategies that improve fleet reliability and reduce downtime.
Develop software validation and verification methodologies and support environmental testing, hardware-in-loop testing, flight testing, and factory acceptance testing.
Analyze software and sensor performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
Establish software development standards and best practices.
Mentor software and systems engineers.
Participate in technology roadmaps and product strategy discussions.
Support customer demonstrations, technical proposals, and executive briefings.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
Paid sick time
Retirement plan
Fitness reimbursement
Pet insurance
Identity protection
Technology stipend
Employee assistance program