Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal Software Systems Engineer (Embedded Flight Systems)At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.Position SummaryThe Principal Software Systems Engineer (Embedded Flight Systems) defines, develops, integrates, and verifies software-intensive aerospace systems for flight and flight-like environments. This role bridges systems engineering and software engineering, translating mission and vehicle requirements into embedded software architectures, interfaces, verification approaches, and technical plans.The ideal candidate has experience with real-time embedded software, hardware/software integration, and flight- or safety-critical systems. This position also provides leadership in agile software development while maintaining technical rigor, traceability, and mission assurance.Duties and ResponsibilitiesSystems Engineering for Embedded Flight Software Decompose system requirements into software functional, performance, interface, and verification requirements.Maintain traceability across stakeholder needs, requirements, architecture, implementation, and test artifacts.Define software-related interfaces for avionics, sensors, payloads, actuators, buses, and ground systems.Support architecture development with attention to timing, fault handling, determinism, and operational constraints.Participate in major technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR.Develop verification strategies, test methods, and acceptance criteria aligned with system requirements.Assess technical risk, identify gaps early, and support mitigation planning.Embedded Flight Software Development and Integration Collaborate with software, firmware, electronics, and test teams to develop integrated flight solutions.Support embedded software development and hardware/software integration in labs, testbeds, and flight-like environments.Troubleshoot issues across software, firmware, interfaces, and electronics to identify root cause and drive resolution.Agile Software Development Leadership Provide leadership in agile software development for embedded and mission-critical software teams.Help establish and maintain an agile execution model that supports disciplined engineering, predictable delivery, and strong technical quality.Lead or support sprint planning, backlog refinement, reviews, retrospectives, and release planning.Coordinate across systems, software, firmware, hardware, and test teams to manage dependencies, integration points, and delivery risks.Perform other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.Minimum of 9 years of experience in software systems engineering, embedded software, avionics, flight systems, or related aerospace/defense development.Experience with real-time embedded software, requirements development, decomposition, traceability, and verification.Experience with hardware/software integration and debug.Familiarity with the systems engineering lifecycle, formal technical reviews, and agile development environments.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $120,000 - $222,000 Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.BenefitsHired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:Health benefits MedicalDentalVisionBasic life with AD&DShort term disabilityLong term disabilityAncillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)Paid time offHolidays401(k) (including company match)Tuition reimbursementLeaves (Parental, maternity, and military)Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)