Sr. Software Engineer (2026-087) (WA, Kirkland)

Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Hardware/Software Integration

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer with strong hardware/software integration experience to join our Cabin Electronics Product Group in Kirkland, WA. This is an on-site position with part-time WFH flexibility.

You will work on embedded software that directly interfaces with aircraft power electronics, integrating and validating software on real hardware in the lab and in support of fielded systems. If you enjoy oscilloscopes more than web browsers and like digging into firmware, schematics, and hardware logs to solve real-world problems, this role is for you.

The Cabin Electronics Product Group is the world's leading manufacturer of in-seat power systems for the commercial airline industry. Our EmPower product line provides scalable power solutions used by over 280 airlines, IFE suppliers, and all major aircraft OEMs worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY

In this role, you will support embedded software for aircraft products currently in production, with a strong emphasis on:

• HW/SW integration and verification on target hardware
• Root-cause analysis of field and production issues
• Design and implementation of embedded software improvements

You will collaborate closely with Product Support, Electrical, Systems, and Test Engineering to ensure our products meet performance, reliability, and regulatory requirements. This position requires a solid understanding of how embedded software interacts with hardware, and how design decisions affect product quality, manufacturability, and cost.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, modify, and maintain embedded software for production aircraft power systems (resource-constrained environments).

• Integrate and test software on actual hardware: bring-up boards, run diagnostics, and validate functionality using lab equipment.

• Investigate and resolve field and production issues, including:

• Reproducing issues on hardware

• Performing root-cause analysis across HW/SW boundaries

• Implementing and verifying corrective actions

• Perform and evaluate software design changes and conduct verification testing associated with design updates.

• Develop software artifacts compliant with RTCA DO-178C processes (Level D).

• Review and update software requirements, architecture, design documents, and verification test plans/procedures.

• Serve as a subject matter expert for specific embedded software components across multiple products.

• Participate in peer reviews with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders.

• Provide accurate task estimates and status updates to support project planning and customer commitments.

• Document root cause analyses, corrective actions, and engineering change justifications for internal and customer-facing audiences.

• Proactively identify and implement improvements to software development and integration processes, leveraging industry best practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Technical Experience

• Typically 5+ years of hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting embedded software for resource-constrained systems (e.g., bare metal or RTOS-based, embedded Linux on SoCs, power electronics controllers, or similar).

• Proven experience with hardware/software integration, including:

• Working directly on target hardware (board bring-up, driver debugging, HW interaction)

• Using lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers) to debug and characterize system behavior

• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems; experience with Python or similar scripting language for test automation or tooling is a plus.

• Experience debugging and optimizing existing codebases in a production or field-support context.

• Working knowledge of RTCA DO-178C required.

• Familiarity with software configuration management and problem reporting tools (e.g., StarTeam, Polarion, or similar).

• Knowledge of communication interfaces/protocols such as UART, RS-485, ARINC 429 is a plus.

• Embedded Linux experience and familiarity with device trees are desired.

Soft Skills

• Ability to analyze and resolve complex embedded software and system integration issues with sound technical judgment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams (Systems, Hardware, Test, Product Support).
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring within software projects is preferred.

Industry Experience

• Aerospace industry experience (or other safety-/mission-critical, regulated industries such as automotive, rail, or medical devices) highly desired.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $102,687 - $154,031 annually (Midpoint: $128,359).

Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.

• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.