Senior Embedded Software Engineer (IA)

Heads Up Technologies • Kirkland, WA

21d • $160,000 - $185,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will architect, implement, and own embedded software across next-generation and fielded business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS). Your primary project will be a Yocto-based video encoder/decoder platform that streams HDCP-protected content over IP for in-cabin distribution. You will work across Embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments—driving technical direction on video pipelines, HDCP integration, FPGA interfaces, and platform migration while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating closely with hardware, user-applications, FPGA, systems, quality, and cross-company teams. This role owns complete subsystems end-to-end: from architecture through verification, from new product development through sustaining engineering of fielded product lines.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong experience with embedded Linux, including Yocto/OpenEmbedded-based BSP development, kernel configuration, driver work, and PetaLinux migration.
• Hands-on experience with embedded video subsystems (RX/TX)—V4L2, GStreamer, or similar—and familiarity with HDCP or similar content-protection protocols.
• Experience with ARM-based SoC architectures (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP i.MX), including device tree configuration, BSP bring-up, and driver-level integration.
• Strong programming skills: C, C++, Python, Bash.
• Strong debugging and root cause analysis across hardware/software boundaries using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
• Experience with communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) in distributed or networked embedded environments.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and digital hardware designs.
• Experience sustaining embedded products through their full lifecycle, including post-release maintenance and field issue resolution.
• Disciplined approach to regression testing, requirements traceability, and change-impact analysis.
• Proficiency with Git, code reviews, and design reviews; familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira/Confluence).
• Ability to ramp up on legacy codebases and make safe, well-scoped changes with minimal regression risk.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with audio/video codecs, media processing, or IP-based AV distribution systems.
• Familiarity with HDCP key management, authentication protocols, and compliance testing.
• Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis toolchains and workflows.
• Experience with Qualcomm or NXP i.MX BSPs and vendor SDKs.
• Experience with one or more Real-Time Operating Systems (uCOS-II, QNX, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).
• Experience with ARM assembly language.
• Background in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, automotive).
• Familiarity with DO-178C, FAA, and/or Mil Spec requirements.
• IoT experience, including device provisioning, credential management, and cloud/edge connectivity.
• Experience with GitHub Actions or similar CI pipelines.
• Experience with pytest or automated test frameworks.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing or factory provisioning/production test infrastructure.
• Exposure to both large-scale engineering organizations and fast-paced smaller companies.

Responsibilities

• Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products, driving reliability and maintainability across
• Lead the video encoder/decoder platform, implementing HDCP-protected content streaming over IP for cabin-wide distribution (RX/TX), including FPGA PL/PS integration on Zynq-based designs.
• Develop and maintain device drivers for audio, video, and other subsystem modules using schematics and component datasheets.
• Debug and root-cause issues across SoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP), peripherals (I2C/SPI/UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet), and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast, RTP/RTSP) using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
• Mentor junior engineers, lead sustaining efforts, prioritize defect backlogs, and coordinate release planning with product management.
• Manage component obsolescence and end-of-life transitions; evaluate and integrate alternate parts with minimal design disruption.
• Maintain certification-aligned processes (requirements, code reviews, regression tests, verification evidence) and engineering best practices across fielded and new products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across FPGA, hardware, manufacturing, quality, and field support teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

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