Lead Embedded Software Engineer
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Rio Rancho, NM
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 7+ years
- Category
- Embedded
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a related STEM field.
- 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software or real-time systems.
- Strong proficiency in C++, Rust, or similar systems programming languages.
- Experience developing software on Linux-based embedded platforms, including kernel-level work or custom driver development (UART, I2C, SPI, etc.).
- Experience leading technical projects, architecting complex systems, or serving as a team or technical lead.
- Strong debugging skills across hardware/software boundaries.
Nice to have
- Technical leadership experience at high-performance or mission-critical hardware–software organizations (defense, aerospace, robotics, automotive, etc.).
- Hands-on experience with real-time systems, microcontrollers (ARM, PowerPC, x86), and distributed embedded architectures.
- Strong Linux internals knowledge, including performance tuning, networking, and system-level diagnostics.
- Proven ability to mentor engineers and provide feedback, elevate engineering standards, and run design reviews.
- Experience aligning multidisciplinary teams and influencing system-wide decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, evaluate tradeoffs, and validate ideas using first-principles thinking.
Full description
Why Castelion, Why Now
Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.
Lead Embedded Software Engineer
As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you will serve as a key technical leader within Castelion's Software organization. You will define architecture, guide engineering direction, and ensure reliable delivery of mission-critical embedded software across the vehicle stack. In addition to owning complex subsystems, you will mentor engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and set the technical tempo for the team. This role is ideal for engineers who combine deep technical expertise with an ability to lead others, influence system-level decisions, and thrive in a fast-moving, highly integrated hardware - software environment.
Responsibilities
- Architecture & Technical Leadership: Define system architecture, software design patterns, module interfaces, and long-term technical strategy. Provide technical leadership across embedded systems, autonomy, drivers, simulation, and application layers, and lead deep-dive investigations into software reliability, performance, and integration issues.
- Embedded Software Development: Design, implement, and integrate embedded software for Linux-based and real-time systems. Own high-impact subsystems from concept through flight testing. Perform hands-on debugging, hardware bring-up, and system validation across tightly coupled hardware–software interfaces.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with avionics, guidance, hardware, simulation, and test teams to align software efforts with broader system requirements. Represent the embedded software team in program reviews, technical discussions, and mission-planning activities.
- System Integration & Testing: Lead software integration across virtualized environments, hardware-in-the-loop, and full vehicle setups. Develop or guide the development of testing tools, automation workflows, and simulation models. Drive root-cause analysis for complex failures and implement system-level corrective actions.
- Project Ownership & Delivery: Own major technical initiatives that impact vehicle capability, autonomy, performance, or reliability. Coordinate resources, manage risks, and ensure on-time delivery of mission-critical software. Support integration and launch activities at test sites when necessary.