Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Keller, TX

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer – Mission Systems

Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible

Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission‑driven Aerospace and Defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission‑critical software systems that power next‑generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety‑critical environments.

As a defense‑focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future‑ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long‑term mission success in mind.

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Principal Software Engineer – Mission Systems to support the design, development, integration, and testing of software that enables core mission capabilities within complex avionics architectures. This role encompasses mission computing, tactical & mission data links, displays, electronic warfare, aircraft sensor integration and fusion, communications, navigation, and weapon system software development and integration to deliver cohesive, real‑time operational functionality. The position offers the opportunity to directly impact mission effectiveness by enabling situational awareness, decision support, and coordinated execution across advanced military aviation systems.

This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high‑performing multi‑site team and must be self‑motivated with a strong work ethic, time‑management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.

• Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline
• 8+ years of C/C++ development experience
• Experience in mission systems software architecture, including design, development, and integration.
• Software development experience across mission systems such as tactical/mission data links, aircraft sensors, communications/navigation/identification (CNI), mission computers, displays, weapon systems, or electronic warfare systems
• C / C++ development for real‑time embedded systems
• Integration and interoperability testing in lab and simulated environments
• Ability to work onsite 100%
• Ability to travel 10%

• Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
• Real‑time operating systems and deterministic scheduling
• Networked and distributed systems under bandwidth and latency constraints
• Secure communications and crypto interface awareness (COMSEC)
• Message parsing, data modeling, and protocol implementation
• Mission systems and OMS/MOSA integration
• Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team‑based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

• Low‑cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.