Embedded Systems Engineer IV

Overview

Arcfield was purpose-built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in digital transformation, space mission engineering and launch assurance, miniaturized sensors and satellites, advanced modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,500 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 60 years of collective proven experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, space exploration, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence and warfighter readiness. Visit arcfield.com for more details.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded flight software for satellite systems.
• Develop and optimize drivers, middleware, and application code for spacecraft avionics (MCUs, FPGAs, radios, sensors, and power systems).
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to define requirements and ensure reliable integration.
• Lead software architecture decisions, code reviews, and system-level debugging.
• Support environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) and in-lab hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
• Ensure flight readiness by implementing rigorous test, verification, and validation processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices for software development and configuration management.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• BS 8-10, MS 6-8, PhD 3-5; in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret clearance
• 8 years of embedded software development experience, with emphasis on Linux-based systems.
• Proficiency in C/C and Python for embedded and systems-level development.
• Strong experience with Embedded Linux distributions
• Deep knowledge of Linux kernel, device drivers, and low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet).
• Experience with debugging tools (GDB, strace, perf, oscilloscope, logic analyzer).
• Familiarity with containerization or virtualization for testing (Docker, Podman, etc.).
• Proficiency with Git and CI/CD tools.
  
  

Preferred

• Prior experience developing on-orbit software for CubeSats or small spacecraft.
• Hands-on experience with Xilinx FPGAs (e.g., Zynq/Zynq Ultrascale ) and FPGA–CPU software integration.
• Strong background with ARM-based processors and microcontrollers
• Proficiency in writing and debugging firmware for ARM microcontrollers
• Knowledge of satellite bus systems (power, ADCS, payload integration, comms).
• Familiarity with fault-tolerant and radiation-tolerant embedded architectures.
• Experience with ground software integration and satellite communication protocols.
• Contributions to open-source embedded Linux projects.
  
  

Equal Pay Act

This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield ’s benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $98,324.81 Max: $170,813.01

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.