ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Melbourne, FL

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDefense Contractor Embedded Systems Jobs

Defense Contractor Embedded Systems information

See salary details

$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

How much do defense contractor embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor embedded systems in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are defense contractor embedded systems?

Defense contractor embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within military or defense equipment. These systems are typically integrated into hardware such as vehicles, aircraft, missiles, and communication devices, where they control critical operations like navigation, targeting, and real-time data processing. Defense contractors design, develop, and maintain these systems to meet stringent security, reliability, and performance standards required by defense agencies. Working in this field often involves strict compliance with government regulations and security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Engineer, you need a deep understanding of embedded hardware and software development, C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time operating systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, VHDL/Verilog, and experience with defense industry standards and security clearances are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication are critical soft skills in this position. These competencies are vital for developing secure, reliable, and mission-critical embedded systems in compliance with strict defense requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by defense contractor embedded systems engineers, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Defense contractor embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as working with stringent security protocols, integrating legacy hardware with modern systems, and meeting rigorous testing standards. Applicants can prepare by developing strong skills in secure coding, understanding compliance requirements like ITAR or NIST standards, and gaining experience with both hardware and software debugging tools. Additionally, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and program managers—is crucial for success in this role.
Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05)

Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05)

Vertex

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

V2X is seeking an accomplished Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05) to join our Embedded Solutions team within the Software Department in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.
Key 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.

Required Qualifications:
  • 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.

Security Clearance & Other Requirements:
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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.

#LI-CB2
#clearance
Benefits include the following:
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Retirement plan
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid time off, including holidays
  • Learning and Development resources
  • Employee assistance resources

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply