Senior Software Engineer
The Senior Software Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, coding, testing, and supporting embedded Linux software systems including kernel, device drivers, and BSP for diverse hardware. The role requires active participation in Agile teams, root cause analysis of complex hardware-software issues, and adherence to engineering and quality processes. This position mandates U.S. citizenship, an active Secret Security Clearance, and hands-on experience with embedded Linux and hardware integration.
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, Staffing and Recruiting.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You will join a confidential client engineering team focused on embedded Linux systems for specialized hardware. This is a contract role based in Cedar Rapids, IA that requires working closely with cross-functional engineers to deliver, debug, and maintain embedded software across the stack.
- Contribute to design, implementation, testing, and delivery of embedded Linux systems (bootloader, kernel, device drivers, root filesystem, BSP).
- Perform board bring-up, target hardware integration, and hardware-software bring-up activities.
- Develop and maintain embedded C/C++ software and supporting scripts (Bash, Python).
- Work with build toolchains and custom Linux distribution packaging (Buildroot or equivalent).
- Debug complex hardware/software interactions using schematics and tools such as logic analyzers and Wireshark.
- Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and task tracking using Jira.
- Support root-cause analysis, change requests, and long-term maintenance/patching efforts.
What We’re Looking For (Required)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Active U.S. government Final Secret security clearance required.
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM plus 5 years relevant experience, OR advanced degree plus 3 years relevant experience, OR 9 years relevant experience in absence of degree.
- Minimum 3 years professional experience with embedded Linux device drivers.
- Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ development.
- Experience with scripting (Bash, Python) for automation and tooling.
- Hands-on experience with board bring-up, BSP development, and target hardware integration.
- Experience using debugging tools and performing root-cause analysis on hardware/software issues.
- Comfortable managing tasks and change requests in Jira.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with GIT and SVN version control systems.
- Experience packaging custom Linux distributions with Buildroot.
- Familiarity with Agile development methods and DevSecOps practices.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills working in multi-discipline teams.
What We Offer
- Contract employment with a confidential client in Cedar Rapids, IA.
- Opportunity to work on low-level embedded systems and trusted government-focused programs.
- Collaborative engineering environment with clear processes and tooling.
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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