Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Salary: $121000 - 231000 per year Requirements: We require a STEM degree and typically at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. We need hands-on expertise in at least two of the following areas: embedded C++ development, embedded software security, or software architecture design and implementation. We require experience working with embedded real-time operating systems such as Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, or Linux. We need a background in developing complex systems that integrate hardware, firmware, and software. We require an active and transferable final U.S. Secret security clearance before the start date. We require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain program access. We prefer candidates with knowledge of rate monotonic theory, practice, and constraints. We prefer familiarity with layered architecture principles and their limitations. We prefer experience reading electrical schematics and translating them into software behavior. We prefer familiarity with firmware source such as VHDL or Verilog. We prefer knowledge of assembly language in at least one processor or controller family. We prefer experience using lab equipment such as power supplies, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. We prefer experience developing device drivers for bare-metal or operating system-based applications. We prefer candidates who have led engineering teams delivering integrated hardware and software systems. Responsibilities: We will have you architect, design, implement, test, and debug integrated embedded real-time software in heterogeneous systems that combine firmware and hardware. We will rely on you to collaborate with a cross-functional team to define, refine, and improve product concepts, implementation approaches, testability, and measurable quality. We will expect you to coach, mentor, and support less experienced team members. We will have you contribute to proposals and participate in preliminary and critical design reviews. We will expect you to work within an Integrated Product Team environment using Lean and/or Agile practices. We will have you help ensure embedded software is built to operate reliably and as intended across current and next-generation autonomous avionics systems. We will have you work across the product line in coordination with other teams. Technologies: Architect Embedded Firmware Hardware Support LESS Linux Security Verilog VHDL FPGA Flow IoT Robotics More: We are RTX, the worlds largest aerospace and defense company, and our Aperture Cloud business brings more than 100 years of engineering expertise to help protect freedoms and support a safer, more secure world. Our Software organization develops applications for missiles, launchers, radars, naval systems, fire control, and other complex platforms, and our Effectors Center team focuses on core and next-generation weapon and security solutions. This is an onsite role based in Tucson, Arizona, at our campus in a vibrant city known for its sunny weather, mountain views, and desert landscape. We offer a competitive salary range of 107,500 USD to 204,500 USD, along with potential eligibility for benefits such as medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, parental leave, and more, depending on business unit and role coverage. We value Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation, and relocation may be offered based on eligibility. last updated 28 week of 2026