Software Engineer - E2
The Software Engineer at Confidential Client's Skunk Works will develop embedded software for advanced aircraft subsystems, supporting both current and future platforms. This role involves full software lifecycle development, integration, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative avionics solutions in a fast-paced environment requiring a Secret clearance.
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.
Role Overview
Join a confidential client in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry as a Software Engineer (E2) focused on embedded and avionics software. You’ll work on vehicle management and mission systems software that supports aircraft subsystems across design, implementation, integration, and test. This is a hands-on role that spans lab work through flight test and offers growth toward subject-matter expertise.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and maintain embedded and avionics software across the full software lifecycle using C/C++.
- Build and support Linux- and RTOS-based systems and development toolchains.
- Integrate software with hardware, develop simulations, and support ground-station development for manned and unmanned systems.
- Define requirements for rapid prototypes in partnership with systems and software engineers.
- Participate in code reviews, unit testing, configuration management, and defect tracking.
- Support integration, lab/field testing, planning, and scheduling for milestone events.
- Work with CI/CD and Agile toolchains to automate builds and testing.
- Travel up to 10% as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
- Practical experience with C and/or C++.
- Experience with Linux or a real-time operating system (RTOS) and associated toolchains.
- Experience working in a team-based software development environment (peer reviews, unit testing, CM, defect tracking).
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to qualify for a facility access requirement; a current or recently (within 5 years) updated Secret clearance is required to be considered.
Preferred / Desired Skills
- Experience integrating hardware and software on embedded systems.
- Scripting experience (e.g., Python) for tooling and test automation.
- Familiarity with build systems and tools (make, CMake).
- Experience using Git, GitLab, JIRA, Jenkins, Confluence, or similar Agile/DevOps tools.
- Knowledge of networking protocols (IP, UDP, RTP) and hardware protocols (ARINC-429, RS-485, I2C, SPI).
- Experience with safety- or flight-critical development processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-516C, MIL-HDBK-1797, AC-17-01, DO-178).
- Modeling and simulation experience (MATLAB familiarity helpful).
- Strong collaboration, decision-making, and communication skills.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time salary range: $91,200 - $169,400 per year.
- Total Rewards include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, employee assistance programs, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and potential annual incentive programs.
- Flexible work arrangements available (4x10 and other schedules where program-appropriate).
- The salary range is a general guideline; final offers consider experience, skills, and business factors.
Location & Work Arrangement
- This role is located onsite at a secure facility in Palmdale, CA. Onsite access and clearance requirements apply.
- Candidates must be able to commute to the Palmdale location and meet facility security clearance criteria.
Employment Type & Travel
- Employment Type: FULL_TIME
- Travel: Up to 10%
Why Apply
- Work on advanced aircraft systems with experienced engineers and hands-on lab-to-flight development.
- Opportunities for technical growth and mentorship in a high-impact environment.
- Access to a range of benefits and flexible scheduling options.
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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