Principal Embedded Software Engineer – Platform and Foundation Software

RTX

Principal Embedded Software Engineer developing platform control software for next-generation avionics systems. Leading design, development, and technical oversight in embedded platforms with advanced architectures.

Posted 7/12/2026full-timeCedar Rapids • Florida, Iowa • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $107,500 - $204,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in embedded platform software design and development, with a strong focus on C/C++, SoC/MPSoC architecture, and secure boot mechanisms. Proven ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and drive improvements in software processes and development efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Embedded Systems ArchitectureC/C++ ProgrammingSoC/MPSoC Platform SoftwareSecure Boot ConceptsDriver Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Embedded Software DevelopmentLow-Level Driver DevelopmentSystem Initialization FlowsHardware Bring-UpRTOS/BSP IntegrationVirtual Development EnvironmentsPipelined Build/Test EnvironmentsDiagnostics DevelopmentPlatform Security MechanismsSimulation/Emulation

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationMentoringCommunicationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

Wind River HelixQEMUFPGA PrototypesCI/CD PipelinesAutomation Tools

Industry Keywords

AvionicsSystem Health MonitoringRedundancy ManagementDeterministic SchedulingSafety-Critical Artifacts

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

RTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and development of embedded platform software for processor control, power management, system health monitoring, and hardware coordination
Architect and integrate secure boot flows, platform security mechanisms, and trusted initialization paths
Develop and guide implementation of low‑level drivers, HAL layers, diagnostics, and bring‑up tools for new processing hardware
Drive early embedded software development using virtual platforms (simulation, emulation, FPGA prototypes) prior to hardware availability
Provide technical leadership and oversight to subcontract suppliers developing bootloaders, BSPs, and secure startup software
Lead integration and validation of RTOS/BSP deliverables, including Wind River Helix components
Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC design teams to define hardware–software interfaces and drive architectural decisions
Lead debugging and resolution of complex hardware/software interaction issues across pre‑silicon and post‑silicon phases
Support certification activities by contributing to design documentation, requirements traceability, verification strategies, and safety‑critical artifacts
Drive improvements in software processes, automation, pipelined build/test workflows, and development efficiency
Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, foster collaboration, and coordinate small team efforts
Identify risks, propose innovative solutions, and influence long‑term platform strategy.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Strong proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems architecture
Experience with SoC/MPSoC platform software (experience with ASIC‑based platforms strongly preferred)
Demonstrated experience leading small teams or technical workstreams
Experience with virtual development environments (simulation, emulation, QEMU, FPGA prototypes)
Hands‑on experience with driver development, hardware bring‑up, and system initialization flows
Background in avionics‑related capabilities such as system health monitoring, BIT, redundancy management, or deterministic scheduling
Strong knowledge of secure boot concepts, platform security, and trusted execution fundamentals
Experience working with pipelined build and test environments (CI/CD, automated build/test pipelines)
Solid understanding of register‑level hardware interfaces, interrupts, and reset flows
Strong communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional teams.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
And more!