Embedded Software Engineer III

Role Summary 

Specter Aerospace is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer III to develop and implement flight software for custom vehicle avionics and ground support systems. This position will provide technical ownership across the embedded software lifecycle, including architecture, requirements development, driver implementation, flight algorithm integration, testing, and vehicle integration. 

A successful candidate will work closely with electrical, GNC, mechanical, and test engineers to deliver reliable embedded systems for Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs. 

About Specter Aerospace 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.  

Role Responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain embedded software for custom flight avionics and ground support systems. 

• Define software architecture, interfaces, and implementation approaches for assigned systems. 

• Develop hardware drivers and communication interfaces for custom sensing and control hardware. 

• Collaborate with GNC engineers to implement and validate flight control and navigation algorithms. 

• Develop microcontroller software using real-time operating systems such as QNX, VxWorks, or FreeRTOS. 

• Integrate new sensors, actuators, communications interfaces, and flight capabilities into vehicle software. 

• Develop hardware in the loop and software in the loop test systems. 

• Lead assigned software through requirements, implementation, integration, testing, and documentation. 

• Support vehicle integration, ground testing, flight testing, and post-test analysis. 

• Mentor less experienced engineers and contribute to code reviews, technical meetings, and design discussions. 

Required Qualifications 

• Strong embedded C and C++ (C++17 and newer) skills 

• Firm understanding of embedded debugging methodologies (e.g. in-circuit debugging) 

• Extensive experience with embedded Linux 

• Understanding of common communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, layer-2 Ethernet) 

• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (e.g. FreeRTOS, QNX, VxWorks) 

• Ability to review circuit board schematics to inform firmware and driver development 

• Experience writing test tooling to optimize test data analysis and build relevant workflows 

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or another related field  

• 3+ years of experience in embedded/software engineering or further relevant degrees  

• Understanding of containerization (e.g. Docker/Podman) 

• Experience establishing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines for embedded projects 

• Experience with Yocto 

EEO Statement:  

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.