Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05)

V2X Current Openings•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

V2X is seeking an accomplished Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05) to join our Embedded Solutions team within the Software Department. Embedded Solutions serves as a core, cross-disciplinary engineering function specializing in the design, integration, and optimization of secure, high-performance embedded systems, including firmware, FPGA, and electronic product development, across multiple defense and aerospace portfolios. In this high-impact technical leadership role, you will architect, develop, and integrate embedded electronics and real-time firmware/software for advanced weapon carriage, release, and safety applications. Operating within a functionally matrixed organization, you will partner with systems, software, electrical, and other engineering stakeholders to deliver embedded solutions that meet rigorous mission assurance, safety, and compliance standards. You will provide end-to-end technical leadership: driving requirements flowdown, system-level integration, architecture definition, embedded product and safety function development, and full system test/verification. This role demands deep experience across embedded electronics, firmware/software, and a proven ability to deliver safety-critical and mission-assured solutions in complex, multidisciplinary environments. As part of Embedded Solutions, you will support a variety of programs and portfolios, applying your technical expertise wherever it is needed to advance V2X’s engineering objectives and customer missions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related STEM field (Master’s preferred).
12+ years’ professional experience in embedded systems, firmware/software, or electronics design for safety-critical military, aerospace, or high-reliability applications.
Expert proficiency in embedded systems architecture, requirements flowdown, and technical risk management for safety- or mission-critical applications.
Extensive experience designing and integrating both firmware/software and digital/analog hardware, including CCA/PCB, FPGA, and SoC platforms.
Hands-on expertise in embedded firmware and software development (C, C++, Python), real-time operating systems (RTOS, bare-metal), and integration with hardware interfaces.
Demonstrated ability to lead and execute formal V&V, requirements traceability, and technical reviews using structured, standards-driven approaches.
Strong technical leadership and mentorship skills; proven track record guiding cross-functional teams and driving skill growth within a matrixed environment.
Experience leading or supporting technical risk management, trade studies, and root cause investigations for high-assurance embedded products.
Demonstrated systems-level proficiency, integrating embedded hardware, firmware, and software for safety- or mission-critical weapon, carriage, or release systems.
Hands-on experience with defense communication busses and protocols (MIL-STD-1760, EBR-1553, CAN, etc.) and implementing real-time safety release or control functions.
Deep expertise in digital and analog hardware design for embedded weapon or safety systems, including integration of COTS military hardware (OpenVPX, VME, CMOSS, etc.).
Strong background in requirements decomposition, system interface definition, hazard analysis, and formal verification and validation activities.
Thorough understanding of compliance and certification requirements for safety-critical electronics and software (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, or similar).
Excellent analytical, documentation, troubleshooting, and technical leadership skills.
Outstanding communication abilities - can translate complex concepts fluently across engineering and non-engineering domains.
U.S. citizenship required.
Ability to access systems with information restricted to U.S. citizens per federal contract requirements is required.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience establishing or advancing technical best practices, standards, or competency frameworks for an embedded function or discipline.
Familiarity with modern DevOps and configuration management for embedded systems (e.g., Git, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines).
Track record integrating technologies such as model-based design/MBD, FPGA-based signal/video processing, or embedded machine learning.
Publications, patents, or recognized thought leadership in embedded systems, weapon system integration, or safety/security engineering.
Experience as lead designer or integrator of embedded safety/weapon release electronics for airborne or ground vehicle platforms, ideally with operational/fielded system exposure.
Working knowledge of airworthiness, safety, and compliance standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, ISO 26262, ARP4754/4761).
Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems, real-time operating systems, protocol implementation, and automated verification environments.
Familiarity with requirements management, configuration management, and supplier/OEM management processes for defense programs.
Advanced degree and/or recognized industry certifications in embedded systems, system safety, or systems engineering highly valued.

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior subject matter expert and technical lead for embedded firmware/software design supporting weapon system integration, including safing, arming, carriage, release, and interlock systems.
Architect and validate digital/analog safety and release electronics and develop/lead integration of embedded control and safety-critical firmware/software.
Own the technical approach spanning requirements analysis, systems architecture, interface definition, hardware bring-up, integration, and full lifecycle verification, including lab and system-level testing.
Lead or support embedded system integration using weapon system protocols such as MIL-STD-1760, EBR-1553, CAN, and related defense busses.
Architect embedded solutions using military COTS platforms (OpenVPX, VME, CMOSS, and others), ensuring appropriate trade studies, system partitioning, and hardware/software resource allocation.
Ensure all design practices reflect system safety, reliability, quality, and compliance with standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, and related industry/regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (including customer/government technical teams) on requirements validation, qualification strategy, integration plans, and system safety/hazard analysis.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to electrical, firmware, and software engineers; conduct peer/code/design reviews to ensure organizational technical rigor and continuous skill growth within the section.
Lead or support technical review boards, architecture/design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and participate in proposal, estimation, and strategy development.
Contribute to the continuous development of best practices, technical standards, and roadmaps within V2X’s embedded and weapon system engineering function.