Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Tactical Software

Job Description
Everforth ECS is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer - Embedded Software Engineer to work Onsite in Arlington, VA.

The Principal Systems Engineer will provide senior-level technical oversight, quality assurance, and lifecycle governance for embedded tactical software supporting Department of Defense and Navy weapon and combat systems. This is a principal individual-contributor role focused on reviewing, validating, and auditing embedded software and engineering decisions-not people management or day-to-day software development.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in safety-critical, highly regulated environments such as missile systems, Aegis or Navy combat systems, or other real-time defense platforms, and brings the technical judgment needed to independently assess software quality, integration impacts, and engineering rigor.
What You'll Do

• Serve as a senior technical authority on Change Control Boards (CCBs) governing embedded software updates and configuration changes.
• Review and evaluate proposed software design changes, including system-level and hardware integration impacts.
• Conduct independent audits of embedded software, engineering processes, test artifacts, and compliance documentation.
• Validate that updated software designs meet engineering rigor, configuration management standards, and DoD quality requirements.
• Review embedded software logic, design documentation, and verification results to assess correctness and completeness (without hands-on coding).
• Partner with hardware, systems, and integration engineers to assess and resolve complex software-hardware integration issues.
• Provide objective, unbiased technical assessments when reviewing software delivered by prime contractors and external partners.
• Support technical exchange meetings, engineering reviews, and program readiness discussions.
• Ensure verification, validation, and quality testing activities are properly executed and documented.

Required Skills

• • Active Top Secret Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • 7+ years of experience in embedded software, systems engineering, or software lifecycle oversight within DoD or military programs
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Embedded and/or real-time software systems
    • Software design, verification, and validation practices
    • Configuration management and change control processes
    • Engineering quality, compliance, and audit principles
  • Proficiency in C++, Python, or similar languages sufficient to review embedded software and design logic
  • Experience working in regulated, mission-critical defense environments
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% for mission-critical activities
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and technical communication skills
  • Ability to operate independently with sound technical judgment

Desired Skills

• • Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline
  • 10+ years of experience supporting DoD, Navy, or weapons systems programs
  • Familiarity with Standard Missile systems, Aegis, or Navy combat systems
  • Experience navigating interfaces between government stakeholders and prime contractors
  • Background in embedded or real-time software for missile, radar, or defense platforms
  • Experience supporting IV&V, T&E, or software assurance functions

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.

is the federal segment of , a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies.

Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow.

We value:

• Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!