Independent Contractor Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Description

Leidos Defense Systems is looking for an Embedded Software Developer experienced as a mid-level computer, software, and/or electrical engineer to serve within the EO/IR Subsystem and Seeker Development portfolio.

Become a part of a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and software developers to create unique solutions for complex problems. Our team solves important problems that make a difference, supporting our customers in the current and future defense of our nation.

The individual selected for this position will be a software developer with varied technical interests and demonstrated engineering skills. Must be a self-starter with experience working with inter-disciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems. As a Developer you will work closely with electronics integrated into a diverse range of aerospace and military systems including manned/unmanned ground/air vehicles, missiles, defensive radars, and space systems.

The Embedded Software Developer will be expected to execute in a fast-paced, small-team environment through all phases of the product life cycle from conceptual development and detailed implementation through manufacturing, qualification testing, and post-delivery support. The developer will be responsible for developing robust software solutions. The developer’s primary job functions would include architecting, implementing, and testing embedded software solutions targeting microprocessors, SoCs, and FPGAs.

The individual is also expected to actively partner with other engineers and developers, project managers, technicians, and the customer to develop solutions that adhere to a diverse set of requirements. Additionally, the developer will support resolution of technical issues that are discovered during the development, integration, and test of deliverable products. This will include troubleshooting issues, assessing bugs and deficiencies for root cause, and identifying corrective actions.

Primary/Daily Responsibilities:

The Embedded Software Developer will be responsible for design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of software programs for enhancements and software-intensive systems and products, applying appropriate principles, standards, processes, procedures and tools throughout the software development life cycle.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Software requirements analysis
• Analysis of hardware compatibility, development of software products and tools used for design
• Development and maintenance of infrastructure, and platforms.
• Additionally, the developer will support resolution of technical issues that are discovered during the development, integration, and test of deliverable products. This will include troubleshooting issues, assessing bugs and deficiencies for root cause, and identifying corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or an equivalent engineering or science degree with relevant experience plus 4-8 years of experience. MS degree plus 2-6 years of experience in a related field.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of the C and C++ programming languages as well as various microprocessor assembly languages
• Experience with communication protocols (UART, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, CAN)
• Experience with software versioning and release cycles
• Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation, test equipment, and debug/test methods for both software and hardware.
• Must be capable of performing in a collaborative engineering environment, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams. Candidate must have demonstrated experience effectively communicating within a team environment.
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in Huntsville Alabama.
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required)

Preferred Qualifications:

• In addition to the qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate should be a strong communicator and highly organized, demonstrating the ability to be accountable for small projects because of the need to fit into a highly productive team seamlessly.
• Experience with infrared sensor technology and seeker systems.
• Familiarity with military standards and regulations related to defense systems.
• Knowledge of software programming languages (e.g., C/C++, Python) for embedded systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

Why Join Us?

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative and innovative environment. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 16, 2026Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.