Principal Software Engineer

Job Title

Principal Software Engineer

Role Summary

Lead design and implementation of complex embedded systems with emphasis on FPGA-based processing and Embedded Linux for precision seeker, guidance, and control products. Serve as a technical lead and mentor within a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on delivering reliable defense electronics.

Experience Level

Senior-level — requires 6+ years of experience in embedded systems development, including FPGA and embedded Linux work.

Responsibilities

Accountable for architecture, implementation, integration, and verification of embedded firmware and FPGA components. Work across software, hardware, and systems teams throughout the development lifecycle.

• Architect, design, implement, integrate, and test embedded systems using Xilinx FPGAs and Embedded Linux.
• Develop and review technical specifications, design documents, and test plans.
• Collaborate with systems and hardware engineers to translate requirements into robust solutions.
• Investigate and resolve complex technical issues; act as a subject-matter expert.
• Participate in full software lifecycle: requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers; promote engineering best practices and standards.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, clearance, and experience required to perform the role.

• 6+ years experience in embedded systems development.
• Experience with Xilinx FPGAs, Vivado, and HDL (VHDL or Verilog); familiarity with embedded processor cores (e.g., MicroBlaze, Zynq).
• Strong proficiency in Embedded Linux: kernel configuration, device driver development, and bootloader customization (e.g., U-Boot).
• Proficiency in C/C++ with solid understanding of memory management, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with radar, signal processing, guidance and control systems.
• Hardware/software integration and system-level testing experience.
• Experience with model-based design tools (e.g., Simulink) and Xilinx SDSoC/Vitis.
• Security-focused development experience and awareness of common vulnerabilities.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

About the Company

Company: BAE Systems

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Global defense, aerospace and security company delivering products and services for air, land and naval forces, advanced electronics, cyber and intelligence solutions, and space and mission systems for government and commercial customers.