Embedded Software Engineer II
The Embedded Software Engineer II at Confidential Client supports the development and testing of software for electronic warfare and RF systems in defense and aerospace, focusing on space payload and ground systems. The role involves designing, developing, integrating, and automating test software primarily using Python, C++, and TCL within an Agile team, ensuring compliance with system requirements and contributing across all software development phases. This full-time, onsite position requires strong debugging skills, experience with automation tools, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with technical leads and peers.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This is a full-time, onsite role supporting a confidential client's space payload and ground-systems programs. You will design, develop, integrate, and test software that controls test equipment and executes automated verification for space payload units. Work is delivered on an Agile team using Python primarily, with C++ and TCL as needed. You will help build and expand automated test frameworks (Jenkins, Robot Framework), debug integrated applications and test setups, participate in design and peer reviews, and help ensure end-to-end requirement verification.
- Design, develop, integrate, and test software that controls lab/test equipment and runs automated test sequences for space payload units.
- Verify system and software requirements from an end-to-end perspective.
- Develop primarily in Python; use C++ and TCL where appropriate in Linux and/or Windows environments.
- Build and extend automated test and verification capabilities (Jenkins, Robot Framework).
- Operate and maintain existing integration and test software; debug integrated applications and complex test setups.
- Participate in cross-functional scrum teams, design reviews, and technical peer reviews.
- Prioritize tasks independently and recommend technical approaches to leads.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or other STEM discipline and 8+ years of relevant software development experience on embedded/real-time systems — OR 6+ years with a Master’s degree — OR 3+ years with a PhD.
- Strong experience developing in Python (embedded and test automation).
- Ability to debug your own code and trace/understand existing codebases.
- Experience integrating developed applications and using logs/tools to verify operation and identify issues.
- Experience developing and testing software in Linux and/or Windows environments.
- Experience testing and debugging complex software systems.
- Experience using software configuration management tools (e.g., Git/Bitbucket).
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience working on an Agile scrum team.
- Experience with C++ development in embedded or test contexts.
- Experience with TCL/Tk for test or UI automation.
- Hands-on experience controlling test equipment via software (oscilloscopes, signal generators, analyzers, power supplies, etc.).
- Experience integrating RF, digital, or optical systems and lab equipment.
- Familiarity with automation and CI tools such as Jenkins and Robot Framework.
- Experience optimizing embedded Python code for constrained environments.
- Experience debugging complex integrated applications and multi-instrument test setups.
- Experience with Atlassian tooling (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket).
- Active TS/SCI clearance is a plus.
Location, Schedule & Security
This role is 100% onsite at the confidential client’s customer facility in Linthicum, MD. Full-time W-2 employment. Anticipated start: early August 2026 (subject to change).
Because this position supports classified and/or defense programs, U.S. Citizenship is required and the candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI. Employment and offers are contingent on successful background checks and clearance adjudication.
Benefits
Benefits are tailored and may include:
- Flexible scheduling where available
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Healthcare savings account (HSA)
- Paid time off, including holidays
- Performance-based bonuses
Actual benefits will be provided by the confidential client and may vary by role and location.
Compliance & Candidate Notes
Careertakes and the confidential client comply with all applicable U.S. federal, state, and local employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; if you require assistance at any stage of the hiring process, please contact Careertakes. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.; U.S. Citizenship is required for this posting due to government program access and security clearance requirements.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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