Embedded Software Developer

Overview

Bowhead seeks an Embedded Software Developer that will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren through design, development, testing, and integrating embedded software solutions that support mission critical systems. This role involves hands-on development in real time environments, working closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and program leads to deliver reliable, secure, and high performance embedded software. The developer will contribute to code design, implementation, debugging, optimization, and documentation for both new development and system enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded software solutions in C/C++ for microcontrollers, real time operating systems (RTOS), or Linux based embedded systems.

• Develop firmware and low level drivers to interface with sensors, communication buses, and custom hardware.

• Support integration of embedded software with hardware components, including bring up, debugging, and troubleshooting.

• Participate in system architecture discussions and assist in defining requirements and design specifications.

• Implement secure coding practices and support cyber-hardened embedded software designs.

• Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and performance validation.

• Analyze system logs, memory usage, and timing behavior to optimize performance.

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including design descriptions, interface control documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user guides.

• Participate in Agile sprint cycles, technical reviews, and code walkthroughs.

• Provide technical support for fielded systems and assist with defect resolution.

• Collaborate with electrical, systems, and test engineering teams to ensure end to end solution performance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline.

• Six (6) years professional technical experience which includes at least four (4) years specialized experience performing computer hardware engineering, software design, coding and compilation of code; computer or software requirements

• management, computer systems or software integration; and utilizing systems engineering software tools.

• Specialized experience shall also include demonstrated ability to engineer

• complex systems with integrated software and hardware solutions. An example includes experience related to weapons systems and/or Navy programs utilizing agile software design processes, such as, but not limited to, Python, R, HTML, C/C++, Unix, and Linux.

• Strong understanding of SharePoint and Microsoft Teams, including experience building and managing sites, pages, lists, and libraries.

• Strong experience developing embedded software in C and/or C++.

• Experience working with microcontrollers, SoCs, or embedded Linux systems.

• Hands on experience with embedded toolchains, debugging tools (JTAG, SWD), oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or serial interfaces.

• Knowledge of embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, or similar.

• Strong understanding of real time constraints, interrupts, and low level hardware interactions.

• Familiarity with version control systems (Git preferred).

• Ability to analyze technical problems and produce reliable solutions under schedule constraints.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, RTEMS, etc.).

• Experience with ARM Cortex processors or similar embedded architectures.

• Familiarity with Python for test automation and scripting.

• Experience with embedded security, trusted computing, or secure boot.

• Background in DoD, Navy systems, or safety critical applications.

• Experience with modeling tools, interface definition, or hardware simulation.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able obtain and maintain security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds

• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time

• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

#LI-MN1

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC’s Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification.

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics EOE/D/V. In furtherance, pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants, based on the provisions contained within The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity postershere ( .

All candidates must apply online at , and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance .

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

UIC Government Services (UICGS / Bowhead) provides innovative business solutions to federal and commercial customers in the areas of engineering, maintenance services, information technology, program support, logistics/base support, and procurement. Collectively, the fast-growing Bowhead Family of Companies offers a breadth of services which are performed with a focus on quality results. Headquartered in Springfield, VA, we are a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar company recognized as a top Alaska Native Corporation providing services across the Department of Defense and many federal agencies. Bowhead offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as a paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

Join our Talent Community!

Join our Talent Community ( to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.

ID 2026-25171

Category Software Development/Engineering

Location : Location US-VA-Dahlgren

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Secret

Minimum Clearance Required N/A

Travel Requirement 10% - 25%