Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on developing and integrating embedded flight software for spacecraft, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, test, and operate systems that must perform reliably in demanding environments. You will design software that interfaces directly with complex hardware, contribute to simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms, and support the full lifecycle from requirements definition through verification, integration, and operational support. The position can be filled at either an intermediate (Level 3) or senior (Level 4) level, depending on experience.

• Design and develop embedded software modules that interface directly with hardware protocols and interfaces such as UART, synchronous serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, and discrete digital and analog I/O.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and other software engineers to establish flight software requirements, as well as testing and verification plans.
• Develop, configure, and maintain board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers for embedded platforms.
• Perform trade studies using computer simulations, kits, and development boards to evaluate design options and optimize system performance.
• Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with simulation platforms.
• Participate in hardware definition and software design, development, debugging, and integration on both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
• Analyze system resources and performance to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed of embedded and flight software.
• Prepare clear and thorough design documentation, analyses, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with software developers and other engineers to diagnose and identify root causes of issues found during software installation, integration, acceptance testing, and operational events.
• Contribute in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and collaborate effectively in team settings at all levels of the organization.
• Perform other related engineering duties as assigned to support mission and program objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, or a related STEM field with 5 years of relevant professional experience for Level 3, or 8 years for Level 4.
• Master’s degree in a related STEM field with 3 years of relevant professional experience for Level 3, or 6 years for Level 4.
• PhD in a related STEM field with 1 year of relevant professional experience for Level 3, or 4 years for Level 4.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance that is current and within scope at the time of application.
• Advanced programming proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and flight software development.
• Advanced programming proficiency in Python for tools, automation, and analysis.
• Advanced programming proficiency in MATLAB for modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Strong ability to debug both hardware and software in embedded and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Experience using software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git.
• Ability to clearly document designs, analyses, and test results, and present technical and programmatic status to management and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in small, collaborative teams.
• Experience with core affinity and parallel processing, including an understanding of the differences between concurrent and parallel processing.
• Familiarity with Stellar or the Core Flight System (cFS) or similar flight software frameworks.

• Experience with embedded flight software for spacecraft, satellites, payloads, or aerospace systems.
• Background in high-speed data transfer, including interfaces and protocols used in aerospace applications.
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL or HIWL) test environments for validating embedded and flight software.
• Experience working with GPUs and parallel processing architectures.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, hardware, and firmware development environments supporting aerospace or space systems.
• Interest in or experience with simulation environments for spacecraft, including flight software simulation and integration.
• Demonstrated ability to work on complex, multidisciplinary engineering problems involving hardware, software, and systems integration.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with an interest in autonomy, radiation effects, orbital mechanics, and mission assurance challenges.

This role is based at large, multidisciplinary engineering campuses in Dulles, VA or Linthicum (Baltimore), MD, which house manufacturing, test, production, and R&D facilities supporting space systems. You will work in an environment focused on building, integrating, testing, and operating spacecraft that must perform reliably in harsh space conditions. Teams routinely address challenges in radiation, autonomy, orbital mechanics, systems integration, and mission assurance, creating a highly technical and intellectually stimulating setting. The work involves close collaboration with other engineers, frequent interaction with simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms, and hands-on engagement with hardware that is destined for space. The culture emphasizes innovation, rigorous engineering practices, and multidisciplinary problem-solving in one of the strongest engineering environments in the region.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

The pay range for this position is $55.28 - $82.21/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 2026.

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