Embedded Software Engineer

Role Description

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with strong experience developing and deploying software on Xilinx UltraScale+ platforms using PetaLinux, with hands-on familiarity working alongside hardware teams on PCB-based embedded systems. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize low-level and Linux-based embedded software for mission-critical communications and signal processing applications.

This role involves building robust software stacks for FPGA/SoC-based systems, integrating drivers and peripherals, and supporting system bring-up from prototype to fielded platforms. You will work closely with FPGA, DSP, RF, and hardware engineers to deliver high-performance solutions for tactical communications in contested and bandwidth-constrained environments.

This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop embedded Linux software for Xilinx UltraScale+ (Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC) platforms using PetaLinux (BSP creation, kernel configuration, rootfs customization, and image generation).
• Support hardware bring-up and integration on custom PCB designs, including board validation, peripheral checkout, and troubleshooting.
• Implement and maintain device drivers and board support components (GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, DMA, etc.).
• Integrate FPGA logic with embedded software using AXI interfaces and Linux user-space access methods (UIO, mmap, sysfs, etc.).
• Build and optimize performance-critical embedded Linux applications (real-time data movement, streaming interfaces, latency tuning).
• Develop test utilities, diagnostics, and automation for lab and field validation.
• Participate in system integration and testing in lab and field settings; debug cross-domain issues spanning hardware, FPGA, kernel, and user space.
• Author technical documentation, software design descriptions, integration notes, and SBIR deliverables as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in embedded software development for Linux-based systems.
• Must have hands-on experience with Xilinx UltraScale+ platforms.
• Must have hands-on experience with PetaLinux (creating/customizing images, kernel/device tree configuration, rootfs management).
• Must have experience working with PCB-based embedded hardware (bring-up support, debug with lab tools, working directly with schematics/board constraints).
• Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting (Bash and/or Python) in embedded environments.
• Proficiency in SVN, Git or other software configuration management tool.
• Experience debugging Linux kernel/user-space interactions and hardware/software integration issues.
• Comfortable using standard embedded debug tools (JTAG, UART console, logic analyzer/oscilloscope basics) and Linux tooling (gdb, strace, perf, dmesg).
• U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance (or ability to obtain).

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Xilinx toolchain workflows (Vivado integration context, Vitis/SDK familiarity helpful).
• Device tree and kernel driver development experience (platform drivers, char drivers, DMA, interrupt handling).
• Familiarity with real-time Linux concepts (PREEMPT_RT, CPU isolation, IRQ affinity, latency profiling).
• Experience integrating high-throughput datapaths (10GbE, PCIe, JESD-style streaming, RF front-end control planes).
• Understanding of secure boot, image signing, and hardening on embedded Linux platforms.
• Experience with Yocto or Buildroot for generating Linux kernel and root filesystems.
• Experience with RTOS/Bare metal programming of ARM Cortex microcontrollers.
• Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not require direct supervisory responsibility; however, the engineer may mentor junior developers and support cross-functional technical leadership.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 25–30% when required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess or obtain a Secret level clearance.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, including DoD SBIR initiatives.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.