Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4)

Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4) - Embedded Systems
Location: Huntsville, AL
Employment Type: Contract
Security Clearance Required: Active Secret Clearance Required at Start
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required (Dual Citizenship May Impact Eligibility)
Travel: Up to 10% (including support at test sites in Virginia, California, and Alabama)
Career Growth: Potential Opportunity for Direct-Hire Conversion
Open Positions: 2
Advance Mission-Critical Embedded Software Development
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist, Software Engineer (Level 4) to join a team developing real-time embedded control and application software for advanced propulsion and aerospace systems. This is a hands-on engineering role supporting the complete software development lifecycle in a fast-paced laboratory and test environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in embedded systems, real-time software development, and safety-critical applications, along with a passion for solving complex technical challenges. This role may also support live engine and system test activities, offering a unique opportunity to see your software operate in real-world environments.
Key Responsibilities Software Development & Integration (90%)

• Participate in the design, development, and integration of real-time embedded control software and application software.
• Support all phases of the software lifecycle, including:
  • Requirements analysis
  • System and software design
  • Implementation and coding
  • Unit testing
  • Integration testing
  • Verification activities
• Develop and maintain software documentation throughout the development lifecycle.
• Contribute to internal technical reviews, customer reviews, and program milestone reviews.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure software performance, reliability, and compliance with program objectives.
• Support hardware and software integration activities in laboratory and test environments.

Process Improvement & Engineering Excellence (10%)

• Analyze software metrics and development data to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Evaluate software engineering methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Assist with refining metric collection methods and software development processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance software quality, efficiency, and organizational maturity.

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's Degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; OR
• 10+ years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.

Professional Experience

• 6+ years of experience developing embedded real-time software systems.
• 6+ years of hands-on C/C++ software development experience.
• Experience working on safety-critical, mission-critical, or human-rated software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain comprehensive software development documentation across the full software lifecycle.
• Proven success working within collaborative engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including:
  • NI Linux
  • Integrity
  • Red Hat Linux
  • QNX
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as:
  • MIL-STD-1553
  • TCP/IP
  • RS-422
  • SPI
• Experience using UML and model-based design tools including:
  • Enterprise Architect
  • Rhapsody
  • Cameo
• Hardware and software integration experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment, including oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.
• Experience with software development IDEs and lifecycle management tools.
• Understanding of CMMI Level 3 or higher software development processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Why Join This Opportunity?
This position offers the chance to contribute to advanced aerospace, propulsion, embedded systems, and mission-critical software programs while working alongside experienced engineering professionals. You'll gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, real-world system testing, and complex software architectures in a highly collaborative environment.

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