Lead, Embedded Software Engineer (Optical Space Payloads)

About L3Harris

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high‑performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work‑life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission‑critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end‑to‑end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Position Details

• Job Title: Lead, Embedded Software Engineer (Optical Space Payloads)
• Job Code: 35058
• Location: Wilmington, MA
• Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)
• Relocation: Assistance available to qualified applicants

Job Description

L3Harris Space and Mission Systems is seeking a Lead, Embedded Software Engineer for our Wilmington, MA location to join a talented team of experts developing Embedded Flight Software for space‑based imaging payloads. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and implementing algorithms, controls, and subsystems for aerospace applications. The role involves the complete software lifecycle from development to testing to operation during missions.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities)

• Lead the design and implementation of real‑time embedded flight software for space‑based imaging payloads.
• Integrate and test embedded flight systems at the software/hardware level.
• Understand and apply architectural approaches for software design and implementation.
• Collaborate with other engineers to plan and develop solutions.
• Involve in all aspects of software development including design, documentation, testing, code reviews, and mission integration.
• Support development of test plans, procedures, traceability, reports, flow, and test case design and implementation.
• Contribute to requirements analysis, design, coding, unit testing, integration, and requirements verification.
• Create state charts, sequence diagrams, and other UML artifacts.
• Follow standard software development processes.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; or
  • Graduate degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; or
  • 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

• Technical Experience:

  • Embedded software development, system design, debugging, and integration on aerospace applications.
  • Experience with RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTLinux, QNX), simulators (TSIM, VxSIM, SIMIC, MATLAB Simulink), and programming languages (C/C++, Python, scripting).
  • Experience with embedded command and control of mechanisms (e.g., shutters, motors, gimbals), embedded controllers (e.g., PIC, STM, TMS), serial communications (e.g., CAN, TCP/IP, RS422), and distributed messaging (TCP/UDP).
  • Expertise in full system lifecycle including requirements flow‑down and allocation, design, development, test, and sell‑off.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance preferred.
• Knowledge of MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and wideband/narrowband telemetry and messaging.
• Experience with platforms like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Intel x86, ARM, and System on a Chip.
• Familiarity with Versal, MicroBlaze, bare‑metal development, and kernel/device drivers.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, Jenkins, and continuous integration tools.
• Experience in space payload systems and Core Flight System/Core Flight Executive (cFS/CFE).
• Experience in Command & Control Software, Sensor Processing Systems, and Optical Systems/telescopes.
• Knowledge of microprocessor/microcontroller architecture and programming, and familiarity with FPGAs.
• Experience estimating large software programs for new business opportunities.
• Experience developing software for microcontrollers with interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
• Develop, customize, and maintain Board Support Packages (BSP) for various hardware platforms.
• Integrate BSP components, including bootloaders, device drivers, and operating systems.
• Optimize BSPs for performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Working knowledge of image processors, visible cameras, IR detectors, servo motors, actuators, and focus mechanisms.
• Familiarity with cyber compliance tools (e.g., Fortify Workbench, SonarQube).
• Familiarity with OMS (Open Mission Systems) and UCI (Universal Command and Control Interface) open architecture standards.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range (CA, MA, NJ, WA, Greater D.C., Denver, NYC areas): $135,000 – $250,500 (subject to experience, location, and other factors).
• Benefits Include:
  • Health and disability insurance
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Education assistance
  • Parental leave
  • Paid time off
  • Company‑paid holidays

Compensation and benefits may vary based on date of hire, schedule type, and collective bargaining agreements.