Embedded Systems Engineer IV

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.

• 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.

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.

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.