Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Role: Lead Embedded Software EngineerLocation: Herndon, Virginia (100% Onsite)Compensation: $160,000 – $180,000 / year + Full BenefitsClearance: Active US DoD Secret Security Clearance RequiredTravel: Less than 10%Work Authorization: US Citizens / No Sponsorship AvailableABOUT THE ROLEA leading aerospace and defence organization is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to guide the development of mission-critical embedded systems in Herndon, VA.This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on driving the adoption of Rust, modernizing legacy software, and delivering maintainable, memory-safe solutions for complex real-time platforms. You will set engineering direction across multiple product lines, mentor software teams, and remain closely involved across requirements, architecture, hardware-software integration, and formal testing.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTechnical Leadership: Guide multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), providing technical direction and mentoring junior engineers.Rust Adoption: Drive the deployment of Rust—including associated techniques, idioms, design patterns, and tooling—and guide the conversion/integration of legacy C/C++ embedded software.Full Lifecycle Engineering: Translate operational requirements into working software, collaborate with hardware/systems teams on interface design, write test plans, and oversee defect resolution.Real-Time Development: Develop embedded software using Rust, C, C++, and Python for RTOS environments such as VxWorks, Linux, and Integrity.Program Management Support: Support EVM tracking, software proposal packages, cost estimation, and software planning efforts.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field + 9+ years of relevant experience; ORMaster’s degree + 7+ years of relevant experience;OR13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.Leadership: 3+ years leading software development teams, including 2+ years in an Agile software-lead or comparable technical leadership role.Rust Expertise: Professional software development experience in Rust.C/C++ & Design: 5+ years of C or C++ development and object-oriented design experience.Program Execution: 5+ years of Earned Value Management (EVM) tracking experience and 3+ years leading software proposals (including cost estimates and proposal packages).Clearance & Logistics: Active US DoD Secret Security Clearance and US work authorization without sponsorship.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSDevelopment of embedded real-time systems, device drivers, and Board Support Packages (BSPs).Object-oriented design using UML or tools like IBM Rhapsody, MagicDraw, or Cameo.Background in Information Assurance, cryptography, NSA Type 1 certification, or safety/certification standards such as DO-178.Strong written, verbal, and technical communication skills.WHY JOIN US?Senior technical leadership role shaping next-generation defence platforms.Opportunity to lead architecture modernization using cutting-edge memory-safe practices (Rust).Comprehensive benefits package and long-term product responsibility.