Embedded Software Engineer 3

Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer 3 San Diego, CA Posted: 7/2/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

218857

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

52

Shift:

1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer 3, in San Diego, CA. Job ID#218857

Pay Rate: $83 - $88/hr

Job Description:

In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses, primarily focused on cryptographic software code bases. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test, in an Agile software development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience, or Master's degree with 3 years or a PhD with 1 year of experience

Current active US Government Secret Clearance

Proficient in C/C+Familiarity with HAIPE, OTNK, and/or IKE

Experience implementing cryptographic mechanisms using dedicated software libraries

Experience with Yocto/Petalinux or WindRiver Linux

Experience with Xilinx platforms (Zynq, Ultrascale+ and VERSAL)

Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations

Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing

Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications

Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.

Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process

Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.

Preferred Qualifications:

Foundational Knowledge with Rust

Experience with low level driver development

Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications

Proficiency working with Linux containers (Docker, Kubernetes or similar container orchestration platforms)

Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations

Experience with RESTful Services

Experience with Software Defined Radios

Experience with the Avionics Operating System

Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)

Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado)

Familiarity with latest NSA Security Standards

Familiarity with assembly language

Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers

Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals

Familiarity with IBM tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, Clearcase)

Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti

Current active US Government Top Secret Clearance

Current active SAP clearance

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

Secret

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit or

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled