Northrop Grumman

Staff RTOS Embedded Architect 5 (AHT)

Northrop Grumman$177K — $265K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Computer, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field plus extensive embedded software experience; additional experience may substitute for degree
  • Proven experience as a software architect or technical lead in embedded systems
  • Expert with RTOS like VxWorks, ThreadX, FreeRTOS, Green Hills INTEGRITY
  • Proficient in low-level embedded software development and troubleshooting
  • Skilled in designing multi-threaded, real-time constrained systems
  • Strong in C/C++ programming, with familiarity in Java, Python, or C#
  • Current US Government DoW Secret security clearance, eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement software architectures for RTOS-based embedded devices and systems
  • Design, develop, code, test, and debug system software including low-level drivers
  • Create and maintain hardware-abstraction and operating-system abstraction layers for embedded systems
  • Define and enforce architectural guidelines, coding standards, and design patterns
  • Participate in all phases of software development lifecycle in an Agile environment
  • Lead integration of real-time operating systems ensuring deterministic scheduling
  • Mentor engineers, conduct code reviews, and provide technical guidance across disciplines

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
  • Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

The RTOS Embedded Architect is responsible for defining and leading the architecture of complex real-time embedded software running on RTOS-based platforms for weapon systems. This role focuses on deterministic behavior, schedulability, resource optimization, and robust inter-process communication for mission-critical systems. The architect partners and collaborates closely with project teams, external partners, and customers to ensure the software architecture meets stringent safety, security, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement software architectures for RTOS-based embedded devices and systems (multi-core processors, distributed nodes, safety-critical components) based on requirements
  • Design, develop, code, test, and debug system software, including low-level drivers and board bring-up.
  • Create and maintain hardware-abstraction layers (HAL) and operating-system abstraction layers (OSAL) for embedded systems.
  • Define and enforce architectural guidelines, coding standards, and design patterns across cross-functional teams for RTOS-based software design and integration.
  • Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle in an Agile environment, including requirements verification and validation.
  • Lead integration of real-time operating systems (VxWorks) and ensure deterministic scheduling, priority management, and inter-process communication.
  • Mentor embedded software engineers, conduct code reviews, and provide technical guidance across Hardware, Software, and Systems Engineering disciplines


Basic Qualifications:
  • BS or in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of embedded software experience; or a MS degree with 10+ years of likewise experience; and an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Proven software architect or technical lead experience for embedded systems
  • Expertise with at least one major RTOS (VxWorks, ThreadX, FreeRTOS, Green Hills INTEGRITY)
  • Experience in developing and troubleshooting low-level embedded software
  • Experience designing multi-threaded, multi-process systems with strict real-time constraints
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming and familiarity with Java, Python, or C#
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical information to software, systems, and hardware engineering stakeholders as well as non-technical partners.
  • Current US Government DoW Secret security clearance with the ability to be cleared for Special Access Program (SAP)


Preferred Qualifications:
  • In-depth understanding of weapons systems, real-time embedded constraints, safety-critical standards, and secure communications
  • Experience with version-control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, CMake, Make, Yocto)
  • Experience with hardware abstraction layers, peripheral abstraction layers, and OS abstraction layers for portable embedded software across multiple platforms
  • Hands-on experience with pre-emptive, multitasking RTOS environments and OSAL integration
  • Expertise in embedded C++ optimization and integration with VxWorks
  • Familiarity with Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, SonarQube)
  • Product-owner experience and ability to translate architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders


#LI-MA

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

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At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

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Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

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Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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