Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Kforce's client, a growing Engineering Technology company in Orem, UT, is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Leader. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with team management, focusing on architecting and implementing software solutions for flight control, autonomy, communications, and mission-level systems. The leader will oversee the full software development lifecycle, integrate with ROS, collaborate with other engineering teams, and drive best practices in CI/CD and code quality, with an emphasis on innovation in challenging environments.

Must Have

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers
• Architect and implement software solutions for flight control, autonomy, communications, and mission-level systems
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle
• Architect and review mission-critical codebases
• Integrate software with ROS and other middleware frameworks
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineering teams
• Drive best practices in CI/CD, code quality, testing, and documentation
• Partner with product leaders and program managers on roadmaps, resource allocation, and risk management
• Innovate in GPS/GNSS-challenged or RF-denied environments
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 6-8+ years of professional software development experience (C++, Python, Java)
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing a team of 5+ developers
• Strong background in embedded systems
• Familiarity with RF systems and real-time/embedded development
• Excellent leadership, communication, and planning skills

Good to Have

• Experience with ROS integration
• Background in robotics, mechatronics
• Knowledge of GNSS-denied navigation (e.g., SLAM, visual-inertial navigation)
• Secure communications, mesh networking, SDR frameworks
• Familiarity with aviation safety and autonomy algorithms
• Tools & methodologies: JIRA, GitLab, CI/CD, Agile/SAFe
• Embedded Linux, STM32/ARM microcontrollers
• RF or radar systems experience

Perks & Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k)
• Life, disability & ADD insurance
• Paid time off (for salaried personnel)

Kforce's client, a growing Engineering Technology company located in Orem, UT, is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Leader. We are partnering exclusively with the hiring manager to find a technical leader who will drive innovation and lead development across advanced engineering platforms.

Summary: This leadership position combines hands-on technical expertise with team management. The Embedded Software Engineering Leader will architect and implement software solutions for flight control, autonomy, communications, and mission-level systems, while mentoring a high-performing engineering team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, providing technical guidance and performance management
• Balance responsibilities: ~50% leadership and ~50% technical contribution (with potential to shift toward management as the team grows)
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, release)
• Architect and review mission-critical codebases
• Integrate software with ROS and other middleware frameworks
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, and systems engineering teams to ensure robust airborne-ground communication links
• Drive best practices in CI/CD, code quality, testing, and documentation
• Partner with product leaders and program managers on roadmaps, resource allocation, and risk management
• Innovate in GPS/GNSS-challenged or RF-denied environments

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 6-8+ years of professional software development experience (C++, Python, Java)
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing a team of 5+ developers
• Strong background in embedded systems
• Familiarity with RF systems and real-time/embedded development
• Excellent leadership, communication, and planning skills

Nice to haves:

• Experience with ROS integration
• Background in robotics, mechatronics is a plus
• Knowledge of GNSS-denied navigation (e.g., SLAM, visual-inertial navigation)
• Secure communications, mesh networking, SDR frameworks
• Familiarity with aviation safety and autonomy algorithms
• Tools & methodologies: JIRA, GitLab, CI/CD, Agile/SAFe
• Embedded Linux, STM32/ARM microcontrollers
• RF or radar systems experience is a plus

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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