Leidos is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of mission-critical embedded software and firmware for missile defense systems. The selected candidate will contribute to the design, development, integration, and demonstration of advanced software capabilities in a fast-paced engineering environment. This role requires close collaboration with integrated engineering teams and strong technical communication skills to support delivery of high-quality software solutions to customers.
Primary Responsibilities
Conceptual design across the full stack of software for airborne systems, embedded software architectural design, code implementation, team peer review, unit testing, cohesive integration of loosely coupled software modules within subsystems and across distributed networks, use of DevOps and CI/CD pipelines, and development of software tools, harnesses, and infrastructures to support a fully integrated solution.
Leading and contributing to the design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of embedded software systems.
Frequent and direct communication with customers, end users, internal stakeholders, and team members.
Applying established software engineering principles, standards, and best practices throughout the full software development life cycle (SDLC) including but not limited to: (a) software requirements analysis, (b) hardware compatibility analysis, and (c) development of tools and software products that support infrastructure, platform design and system maintenance.
Recommending and implementing new technologies, tools and standards to enhance software engineering practices, which align to organizational goals.
Leading and mentoring other team members, contributing to the delivery of complex projects, all the while aligning with technical strategy and execution plans.
Demonstrate initiative in identifying improved development workflows, tools, and engineering practices, including emerging AI-enabled development capabilities.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
12+ years of relevant technical experience, or 10+ years with a master’s degree in a related field.
5+ years of experience with real-time embedded system in defense, aerospace, or safety-critical platforms preferred.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required.
Must be a resident of North Alabama or willing to relocate to the Huntsville-North Alabama area.
Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.
Experience with real-time operating system (RTOS) such as VxWorks, Integrity, or FreeRTOS
Proficiency with embedded processors and microcontrollers (i.e. ARM Cortex, RISC-V, or similar architectures)
Experience with embedded debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, etc.)
Must have strong knowledge of modern software development practices including Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and test automation and understand the reasons these practices are used on mission and safety critical programs.
Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address highly complex technical challenges.
Ability to work independently on well-defined tasks and contribute effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Clearance Requirement
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
July 30, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
