Principal Embedded Software Engineer (C/C++, RTOS)

Location: Middletown, RI (Onsite)

Program: Advanced Naval Systems

Pay: $80–$93.50/hr

Duration: 12-month contract with contract-to-hire potential

Clearance: Active Secret required

Overview

We are hiring a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to support a high-visibility defense program focused on real-time processing, sensor integration, and advanced system control.

This role sits at the intersection of embedded software, hardware integration, and signal processing, supporting mission-critical systems deployed in complex operational environments.

You will work on real-time embedded platforms that process, analyze, and respond to data from advanced sensors and control systems.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop real-time embedded software in C/C++
• Build and maintain software on RTOS platforms (VxWorks, Linux, etc.)
• Integrate software with custom hardware, sensors, and FPGA-based systems
• Implement control, detection, and tracking algorithms from systems engineering teams
• Debug and optimize multi-threaded, high-performance embedded systems
• Support software integration, system testing, and deployment activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across systems, hardware, and test engineering
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and system-level troubleshooting
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical direction

What This Program Involves

• Real-time software supporting advanced naval and defense systems
• Integration across hardware, firmware, and software layers
• Work with sensor-driven systems and signal processing pipelines
• Exposure to system-level performance optimization and deployment environments
• Collaboration within a highly technical, multi-disciplinary engineering team

Required Qualifications

• BS in STEM field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Active DoD Secret Clearance
• Strong experience with:
• C/C++ embedded development
• Real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks or Linux
• Multi-threaded system design
• Experience integrating software with hardware systems
• Experience working in complex, high-performance embedded environments
• Willingness to travel 10–15%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) concepts or algorithms
• Familiarity with MATLAB or algorithm development
• Experience optimizing performance in real-time systems
• Knowledge of:
• Computer architecture
• Networking fundamentals
• Device drivers and low-level interfaces
• Experience working with vector processing libraries (VSIPL or similar)
• Exposure to FPGA-integrated systems
• Experience in defense or naval systems environments

How Success Is Measured

• Delivers high-quality embedded software that passes:
• Smoke testing
• Integration testing
• System-level validation
• Successfully integrates software with hardware components
• Contributes to system performance improvements and stability
• Produces code that meets program requirements and customer acceptance

Work Environment

• Onsite, collaborative engineering team
• Fast-paced, technically complex development environment
• Direct exposure to real-world system deployment and testing

Why This Role

• Work on mission-critical systems with real-world impact
• Gain exposure to advanced embedded platforms and sensor systems
• Be part of a high-performing engineering team solving complex problems
• Strong potential for long-term conversion and career growth