Lead Engineer - Embedded Software Development

Lead Engineer - Embedded Software Development

GE Aerospace's Platform Software team builds the embedded software that powers critical avionics functions across both civil and military aircraft. We develop firmware, board support packages (BSPs), and boot loaders. Real-time operating system (RTOS) integrations, including ARINC 653 IMA platforms. Common services such as data loaders, built-in tests (BIT/BITE), and health monitoring.

We are looking for a Lead Engineer - Embedded Software Development leader who will take a key role in designing, implementing, and verifying embedded software for one or more platform product areas. This role is ideal for someone with solid embedded real-time experience and some exposure to DO 178C who wants to grow into a subject matter expert / technical lead over time.

The location for this position is Grand Rapids, MI on at least a hybrid basis (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office): An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.

What you'll do:

• Design, implement, and integrate embedded C/C++ software on GE Aerospace computing hardware and RTOS platforms.
• Collaborate with Systems and Hardware engineers to refine software requirements and interfaces.
• Develop unit and integration tests, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing to verify that the software meets its intended functionality.
• Participate in software aspects of DO‑178C certification, including producing and reviewing design, code, and test artifacts.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues found during integration, lab testing, and flight test.

Product area ownership (growing to SME):

• Develop a deep understanding of an assigned product area (e.g., RTOS integration, BSP, bootloader, or common services).
• Contribute to the technical design and documentation for that product area.
• Work closely with Systems, Hardware, Safety, Security, Quality, and Certification teams to ensure robust and certifiable solutions.
• Provide peer reviews, guidance, and mentoring to more junior engineers as your expertise grows.

Continuous improvement:

• Help identify and drive improvements in our development and verification processes, tools, and automation.
• Support the use of Product Line Engineering (PLE) concepts and reuse of software components and artifacts across programs.
• Apply Lean and Agile practices to deliver high-quality software on time.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in embedded real-time software development, including:
• Strong proficiency in C/C++
• Experience developing on real-time operating systems or bare-metal targets
• Hands-on experience in a safety-critical, high-reliability, or highly regulated environment (e.g., avionics, automotive, medical, industrial control, defense).
• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience on one or more DO‑178B/C projects (development or verification, any DAL level).
• Exposure to ARINC‑653 integrated modular avionics (IMA) operating systems or other partitioned RTOS.
• Experience with built-in test (BIT/BITE), health monitoring, or low-level board support (BSP/firmware).
• Familiarity with DO‑254, DO‑297, ARP‑4754/4754A or similar systems/hardware standards.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams.
• Master's degree in an Engineering-related field.
• Strong communication skills and interest in mentoring and growing into a technical lead / SME role.

Why this role is attractive at this level:

• Impactful work: Contribute to safety-critical avionics platforms used in real aircraft across civil and military markets.
• Growth path: Clear line of sight to Lead / SME / Architect roles as you build expertise in DO‑178C, ARINC‑653, and GE's platform products.
• Breadth of exposure: Work across multiple product lines (flight management, mission systems, networking, health and data management).
• Supportive environment: Hybrid work, relocation support, and collaboration with experienced engineers in avionics, systems, and certification.

The base pay range for this position is $95,000.00 - $127,000.00. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 08/01/26.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes