Embedded Software Engineer 3

Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer 3 Manhattan Beach, CA Posted: 10/1/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

226594

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

63

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer 3, in Manhattan Beach, CA. Job ID#226594

Pay Rate: $81 - $86/hr

Job Description:

As a Payload Flight Software Lead, you will lead the design, architecture, development, integration, test and verification of flight software solutions for embedded and real-time systems. Specifically, you will produce and maintain architectural artifacts (block diagrams, interface control documents, traceability matrices, and trade studies). You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including Systems Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test. You will analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies. This position will include defining and architecting the system and will require close collaboration with team members of other projects within the organization for security architecture designs, as well as external partners and customers.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to support the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of embedded and real-time systems. The candidate will be expected to understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and to implement and debug software to meet defined completion criteria. The candidate will have demonstrated ability to define and evolve software architectures and possess strong troubleshooting skills for complex, integrated applications and test‑setup issues.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 12 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 10 years of relevant experience

Must hold an active SCI clearance at the time of application

Experience leading a software team

Expert level proficiency in embedded C/C++ development

Extensive experience with real-time operating systems like VxWorks

Full‑cycle software development proficiency from requirements to testing

Proficiency in creating and maintaining comprehensive software documentation throughout the development lifecycle

Proficiency in bus implementation and communication protocols such as 1553 and SpaceWire

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Cost Account Management (CAM)

Experience in supporting or leading proposal activities

Proficiency in writing system requirements and making key tradeoffs in code efficiency, memory, and cost

Experience working in Agile software development

Experience with software development leveraging CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins

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:

Top Secret/SCI

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