Principal Embedded Software Engineer

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.MITRE’s Electronic Systems Development department is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Level 5) to support advanced research and development projects of national significance. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team designing and prototyping proof-of-concept systems on embedded hardware platforms, with emphasis on software supporting Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) applications. Our diverse sponsors and research objectives provide opportunities such as:Real-time communication, navigation, and sensor systems leveraging modern System-on-a-Chip/Field Programmable Gate Array (SoC/FPGA) technology and Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platformsAdvanced architectures for high-throughput signal processing algorithmsTightly integrated platforms targeting low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) applicationsCross-disciplinary teams delivering mission-relevant prototypes and demonstrationsRoles & Responsibilities:This position provides an opportunity to lead the design and prototyping of state-of-the-art embedded systems using commercial and custom platforms. Key responsibilities include:Architect, implement, test, document, and debug embedded software systems (primarily C/C++)Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and set technical direction for software development effortsEstablish and reinforce best practices for software design, implementation, integration, and verificationIntegrate and troubleshoot hardware/software interfaces across embedded platforms and RF/SDR-connected systemsMentor and develop junior engineers through technical guidance and reviewsBasic Qualifications:Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experienceDegree in Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related fieldExpert-level proficiency in high-performance programming languages (C, C++, Python)Demonstrated technical/task leadership experienceDemonstrated ability to architect complex embedded systemsExperience defining and encouraging best practices and design methodsDemonstrated engagement across multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and set technical direction of software development effortsWillingness/passion for mentoring and developing junior engineersStrong understanding of embedded systems, hardware interfacing, and signal processing conceptsIn-depth experience with software systems, systems architecture, and system-of-systems architectureComplete software development skillset including design, implementation, testing, documentation, and debuggingUnderstanding and experience with low-level processor architectures, operating system design, and hardware interfacingExperience with real-time operating systemsExperience with POSIX interfacesExperience with Linux/BSD user and kernel environmentsExperience with Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), RF communications, or radar/sensor systemsMust have an active Top Secret/SCI U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on-site.Preferred Qualifications:Existing program accessesAdvanced degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related fieldExcellent interpersonal skills, judgment, discretion, and tactHistory of building trusted relationships with demanding customers or leadersDemonstrated technical leadership shaping large projects and aligning operational needs, engineering reality, and programmatic executionThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):Top Secret/SCIThis requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):Top Secret/SCISalary compensation range and midpoint:$173,200 - $216,500 - $259,800 AnnualWork Location Type:OnsiteIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for general support and View email address on click.appcast.io for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.Benefits information may be found here.Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.Job SummaryJob number: R117589Profession: Engineering