Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Leidos has filed 4 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 404 workers, most recently September 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

Leidos is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of mission-critical embedded software and firmware for missile defense systems. The selected candidate will contribute to the design, development, integration, and demonstration of advanced software capabilities in a fast-paced engineering environment. This role requires close collaboration with integrated engineering teams and strong technical communication skills to support delivery of high-quality software solutions to customers.

Primary Responsibilities

Perform conceptual design and architectural development across full-stack airborne system software, including embedded software design, code implementation, team peer review, and comprehensive unit testing. Own integration of loosely coupled software modules within subsystems and across distributed networks. Utilize DevOps and CI/CD pipelines to ensure quality and delivery. Contribute to the development of software tools, harnesses, and infrastructures that support fully integrated solutions across multiple technical areas.

Leading and contributing to the design, development, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of embedded software systems.

Applying established software engineering principles, standards, and best practices throughout the full software development life cycle (SDLC) including but not limited to: (a) software requirements analysis, (b) hardware compatibility analysis, and (c) development of tools and software products that support infrastructure, platform design and system maintenance.

Recommending and implementing new technologies, tools and standards to enhance software engineering practices, which align to organizational goals.

Leading and mentoring other team members, contributing to the delivery of complex projects, all the while aligning with technical strategy and execution plans.

Demonstrate initiative in identifying improved development workflows, tools, and engineering practices, including emerging AI-enabled development capabilities.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

8+ years of relevant technical experience, or 6+ years with a master’s degree in a related field.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen and be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Relevant technical experience must include developing, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting embedded software or embedded-adjacent applications that interface with, operate, monitor, support, simulate, control, or communicate with embedded systems.

Must be a resident of North Alabama or willing to relocate to the Huntsville-North Alabama area.

Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.

Experience with real-time operating system (RTOS) such as VxWorks, Integrity, or FreeRTOS

Proficiency with embedded processors and microcontrollers (e.g. ARM Cortex, RISC-V, or similar architectures)

Experience with embedded debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or software-based debuggers such as GDB)

Experience with modern software development practices including Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and test automation.

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years of experience with real-time embedded system in defense, aerospace, or safety-critical platforms.

Experience with high-speed guided weapons systems, flight controls systems, or similar embedded solutions.

Experience developing large-scale embedded, high-performance systems with a high level of determinism.

Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Prior experience working in highly regulated or mission-critical environments (e.g., aerospace or defense sectors).

Experience with software safety standards (DO-178C, MIL-STD-882e).

Experience with Agile management tools and concepts such as Jira.

Experience with software configuration management tools such as Git and GitLab.

Proven experience mentoring developers across multiple experience levels.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address highly complex technical challenges.

Ability to work independently on well-defined tasks and contribute effectively in a collaborative team environment.

AppKinetic

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: September 28, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.