Principal Embedded Software Architect (Top Secret Clearance Required)

The role

You will define and lead the embedded software architecture for advanced RF systems including software-defined radios, digital receivers/exciters, and radar subsystems. You will work hands-on in C/C++ and embedded Linux while providing technical leadership to a multidisciplinary team.

What you will do

• Architect and lead development of embedded software for MPSoC-based RF systems.
• Define hardware/software partitions and interfaces.
• Develop production-quality C/C++ and embedded Linux software.
• Bring up new boards and platforms in collaboration 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.
• Lead system-level integration and test.
• Prepare and maintain architecture documents, ICDs, and technical specifications.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to embedded and firmware engineers.
• Lead design reviews and communicate status to stakeholders and customers.

Required qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance required.
• U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
• BS or Master’s in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ for real-time, resource-constrained systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux (drivers, BSPs, kernel-level interfaces).
• Solid understanding of hardware/software interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, DMA, memory-mapped registers).
• Hands-on debugging using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience architecting and integrating complex embedded systems involving MPSoCs/SoCs, FPGAs, and high-speed ADCs/DACs.
• Proven technical leadership experience.
• BS and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or a Master’s and at least 5 years of applicable experience.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Nice to have

• Experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platforms and tools (Vivado, Vitis, 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 DSP concepts relevant to embedded RF (DDC/DUC, filtering, beamforming, waveform generation) and radar/EW timing and synchronization.
• Experience with multithreaded programming, IPC, and synchronization in embedded Linux.
• Familiarity with Yocto/Buildroot and high-throughput interfaces (PCIe, 10/25/100 GbE).
• Experience developing reusable embedded frameworks/HALs.
• Experience leading full lifecycle development for aerospace/defense or other high-reliability applications.

About the company

STR is a growing technology company specializing in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security. They focus on cyber, next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence algorithms.