Senior Embedded Software Engineer (IA)

Heads Up Technologies

• $160K — $185K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of embedded software development experience.
  • Strong experience with embedded Linux and Yocto/OpenEmbedded-based BSP development.
  • Hands-on experience with embedded video subsystems and familiarity with HDCP protocols.
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, and Bash.

Responsibilities

  • Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products.
  • Lead the video encoder/decoder platform for HDCP-protected content streaming.
  • Develop and maintain device drivers for audio, video, and other modules.
  • Debug and root-cause issues across SoC platforms and peripherals.
  • Mentor junior engineers and coordinate release planning with product management.
  • Manage component obsolescence and evaluate alternate parts.
  • Maintain certification-aligned processes and engineering best practices.

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule options (4x10 or 5x8).
  • Full-time, onsite position in Kirkland, WA.
  • Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and lead projects.
  • Engagement in cross-functional collaboration for continuous improvement.
Full Job Description
About the role

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will architect, implement, and own embedded

software across next-generation and fielded business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS).

Your primary project will be a Yocto-based video encoder/decoder platform that streams HDCPprotected content over IP for in-cabin distribution.You will work across Embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments-driving technicaldirection on video pipelines, HDCP integration, FPGA interfaces, and platform migration whilementoring junior engineers and collaborating closely with hardware, user-applications, FPGA,

systems, quality, and cross-company teams. This role owns complete subsystems end-to-end: from architecture through verification, fromnew product development through sustaining engineering of fielded product lines.

Key Details

Schedule: 4x10 (Mon-Thu) or 5x8 (Mon-Fri), core hours 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Location: Full-time, onsite in Kirkland, WA

Compensation: $160,000-$185,000 per year

Work Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen and authorized to work in the United States

What you'll do

  • Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products, driving reliability and maintainability across
  • Lead the video encoder/decoder platform, implementing HDCP-protected content streaming over IP for cabin-wide distribution (RX/TX), including FPGA PL/PS integration on Zynq-based designs.
  • Develop and maintain device drivers for audio, video, and other subsystem modules using schematics and component datasheets.
  • Debug and root-cause issues across SoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP), peripherals (I2C/SPI/UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet), and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast, RTP/RTSP) using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
  • Mentor junior engineers, lead sustaining efforts, prioritize defect backlogs, and coordinate release planning with product management.
  • Manage component obsolescence and end-of-life transitions; evaluate and integrate alternate parts with minimal design disruption.
  • Maintain certification-aligned processes (requirements, code reviews, regression tests, verification evidence) and engineering best practices across fielded and new products.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across FPGA, hardware, manufacturing, quality, and field support teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of embedded software development experience.


Core Technical Skills

  • Strong experience with embedded Linux, including Yocto/OpenEmbedded-based BSP development, kernel configuration, driver work, and PetaLinux migration.
  • Hands-on experience with embedded video subsystems (RX/TX)-V4L2, GStreamer, or similar-and familiarity with HDCP or similar content-protection protocols.
  • Experience with ARM-based SoC architectures (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP i.MX), including device tree configuration, BSP bring-up, and driver-level integration.
  • Strong programming skills: C, C++, Python, Bash.
  • Strong debugging and root cause analysis across hardware/software boundaries using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.
  • Experience with communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) in distributed or networked embedded environments.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and digital hardware designs.
  • Experience sustaining embedded products through their full lifecycle, including post-release maintenance and field issue resolution.
  • Disciplined approach to regression testing, requirements traceability, and change-impact analysis.
  • Proficiency with Git, code reviews, and design reviews; familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira/Confluence).
  • Ability to ramp up on legacy codebases and make safe, well-scoped changes with minimal regression risk.
  • Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with audio/video codecs, media processing, or IP-based AV distribution systems.
  • Familiarity with HDCP key management, authentication protocols, and compliance testing.
  • Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis toolchains and workflows.
  • Experience with Qualcomm or NXP i.MX BSPs and vendor SDKs.
  • Experience with one or more Real-Time Operating Systems (uCOS-II, QNX, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).
  • Experience with ARM assembly language.
  • Background in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, automotive).
  • Familiarity with DO-178C, FAA, and/or Mil Spec requirements.
  • IoT experience, including device provisioning, credential management, and cloud/edge connectivity.
  • Experience with GitHub Actions or similar CI pipelines.
  • Experience with pytest or automated test frameworks.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing or factory provisioning/production test infrastructure.
  • Exposure to both large-scale engineering organizations and fast-paced smaller companies.


The pay range for this role is:

160,000 - 185,000 USD per year (kirkland, washington)

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