Senior Embedded Systems Engineer - 1589
About The Position
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is seeking a highly experienced Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join its High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) in Colorado Springs, CO. This role involves leading the design, research, development, integration, and transition of advanced digital systems and embedded technologies for DoD and DoE programs. The ideal candidate will thrive at the intersection of firmware, hardware, and system architecture, taking systems from concept through deployment in a multidisciplinary, small-group environment. This is a comprehensive role focused on building and owning systems, not just coding.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 12 - 15 years of experience in embedded systems / firmware development
- Deep expertise in C/C++ (embedded and systems-level programming)
- Deep expertise in Real-time and embedded operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar)
- Deep expertise in Bare-metal firmware development
- Strong experience with Hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, RF communications)
- Strong experience with Board-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and lab equipment
- Strong experience with System integration and troubleshooting across hardware and software boundaries
- Strong understanding of digital signal processing, data acquisition, or real-time processing systems
- Demonstrated experience in system design and architecture
- U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in relevant field
- 16+ years of experience in embedded systems / firmware development
- Experience with FPGA or programmable logic systems
- Experience with Zynq or heterogeneous processing systems
- Background in data acquisition systems, signal processing, or high-speed communications
- Experience developing automated test systems and diagnostic platforms
- Familiarity with battery-powered / low-power system design
- Experience with Windows-based application development (C#, C++, or similar)
- Prior technical leadership, project engineering, or team lead experience
- Active Top Secret clearance
Responsibilities
- Architect and develop embedded firmware systems across bare-metal and RTOS environments
- Develop FPGA and programmable logic solutions using Verilog or VHDL
- Support full FPGA development lifecycle including architecture, simulation, synthesis, timing closure, hardware integration, and debugging
- Lead board bring-up, hardware integration, and system-level debugging efforts
- Design and implement solutions spanning Microcontrollers, embedded processors, and FPGA-based systems, Real-time data acquisition and control systems, Communication interfaces (wired and wireless)
- Drive system architecture decisions, including hardware/software partitioning
- Develop and support automated test systems, validation strategies, and sustainment solutions
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams (hardware, RF, physics, test, and software)
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
- Interface with customers and stakeholders on technical solutions and program execution
- Contribute to Windows-based tools and interfaces for system control, testing, and diagnostics
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
