Leonardo DRS

Software Engineering Manager

Leonardo DRS$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
  • 7+ years in software, embedded, controls, FPGA, DSP, or related development; 3+ years in leadership.
  • Experience with FPGA, DSP, and/or PLD software development teams for complex embedded systems.
  • Knowledge of HIL environments, software verification, and structured validation techniques.
  • Strong experience with software platforms and strategies for software reuse across products.
  • Expertise in power conversion, energy storage, and motor control applications for defense systems.
  • Skilled in project leadership and cross-functional collaboration, especially under military compliance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a multidisciplinary software engineering team for FPGA, DSP, and PLD development.
  • Manage execution of software platforms for power conversion and motor control systems, meeting objectives.
  • Provide leadership on architecture, design, integration, and verification for FPGA and DSP.
  • Develop HIL and software test verification strategies, ensuring rigorous issue resolution.
  • Standardize and sustain software platforms for scalability in power electronics products.
  • Coordinate with other engineering teams to align software development with broader product goals.
  • Establish best practices for software development and documentation in regulated environments.
  • Mentor team members and foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Company contributions to a health savings account.
  • Wellness programs focusing on employee well-being.
  • Flexible work schedules including a 9/80 program.
  • Paid parental leave and community service hours.
  • Programs for career growth and professional development.
  • Competitive vacation and health/emergency leave.
Full Job Description
Job ID: 115055

Job Summary

We are seeking a technically knowledgeable and experienced Software Engineering Manager to lead software engineering activities supporting advanced power and control solutions for surface and unmanned applications. This role is responsible for leading FPGA, DSP, and PLD software development, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and test verification activities, and software platform development for power conversion, energy storage and delivery, and motor control systems. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical depth with proven leadership experience, enabling execution across product development, platform strategy, verification, and customer-driven program delivery in a defense-focused environment.

What You Will Do

  • Lead and develop a multidisciplinary software engineering team focused on FPGA, DSP, and PLD software development, HIL and test verification, and reusable software platform capabilities.
  • Manage software platform engineering execution for power conversion, energy storage and delivery, and motor control systems, ensuring technical, schedule, and cost objectives are achieved.
  • Provide technical and functional leadership for FPGA, DSP, and PLD development activities, including architecture, design, implementation, integration, debugging, and verification.
  • Develop and deliver HIL/software test verification strategy, ensuring robust validation approaches, efficient issue resolution, and clear traceability from requirements through qualification.
  • Lead the development, standardization, and sustainment of software platforms that enable scalable and reusable capabilities across multiple power electronics and motor control products.
  • Coordinate closely with systems, electrical, mechanical, test, manufacturing, and program teams to align software development with overall product and platform objectives.
  • Establish and enforce best practices for software development, configuration management, code quality, documentation, cybersecurity, and verification in regulated and defense environments.
  • Support customer engagement and program execution by translating requirements into executable software plans, managing risks, and ensuring delivery of compliant, high-quality solutions.
  • Mentor team members, build organizational capability, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.


Education & Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in software, embedded, controls, FPGA, DSP, or related development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
  • Demonstrated experience leading FPGA, DSP, and/or PLD software development teams and delivering complex embedded or real-time control solutions.
  • Experience with HIL environments, software verification, test automation, and structured validation approaches for complex hardware-software systems.
  • Strong background in software platforms, reusable architectures, and product-line or cross-program software reuse strategies.
  • Experience supporting power conversion, energy storage and delivery, motor control, or closely related power electronics applications for surface and/or unmanned systems.
  • Strong project leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, including work with internal stakeholders, customers, and program leadership.
  • Familiarity with defense or military development environments, including contractual, documentation, and quality expectations, is highly desired.
  • Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced environment while balancing technical rigor, execution urgency, and long-term platform strategy.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

#NPS

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. Focused on defense technology, we develop, manufacture and support a broad range of systems for mission critical and military sustainment requirements, as well as homeland security. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. which employs more than 45,000 people worldwide. We offer a competitive compensation package and a business culture that rewards performance. For additional information on Leonardo DRS, please visit our website at www.leonardodrs.com.
Learn more about Leonardo DRS
Size
11,000 employees
Market Cap
$3.1 billion
Industry
Founded
1968
5 Year Trend
+55.7%
NASDAQ

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