Embedded Software & Controls Lead
Direct Hire
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software & Controls Lead to provide both technical and people leadership for a team developing advanced embedded controls and software solutions for defense applications. This role oversees the development of embedded software, controls architecture, system integration, modeling, characterization, and testing while managing a high-performing engineering team.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in embedded controls, motion control, and/or Embedded Linux with proven experience leading engineering teams. In addition to serving as the technical lead for controls development, this individual will mentor engineers, manage team performance, support recruiting efforts, and help drive department initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership
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Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 2-7 controls and embedded software engineers.
- Manage employee performance, career development, and goal setting.
- Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and employee retention initiatives.
- Assist with department planning, budgeting, and organizational goals.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture.
Controls & Embedded Software Leadership
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Lead the technical execution of embedded controls and software development projects.
- Define controls architecture, software platforms, and system functionality.
- Estimate engineering effort and identify required technical skillsets.
- Partner with cross-functional engineering and project teams to ensure successful program execution.
- Ensure compliance with software development standards and program requirements.
- Support customer interactions, technical reviews, proposal development, and design reviews.
System Modeling & Controls Development
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Develop multi-domain models of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems.
- Analyze system performance metrics and engineering specifications.
- Correlate simulation models with real-world test data.
- Utilize simulation models to develop, optimize, and validate advanced control algorithms.
Hardware Integration
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Support the design, selection, and integration of embedded electronic hardware.
- Define controller hardware requirements based on system I/O and computational needs.
- Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to communicate integration requirements.
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and system-level integration issues.
Required Qualifications
Experience
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6+ years of engineering experience in embedded software, controls engineering, or related disciplines.
- Senior-level experience developing embedded controls, motion control systems, and/or Embedded Linux applications.
- Experience leading and developing small, high-performing engineering teams (approximately 5-10 engineers).
- Experience with resource planning, technical leadership, and engineer mentorship.
- Experience supporting embedded software projects from concept through system deployment.
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Leadership Skills
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Engineering team leadership
- Performance management
- Technical mentorship
- Resource planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project estimation
- Customer interaction
- Proposal support
Technical Skills
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Embedded C/C++
- Embedded Linux
- Real-time embedded systems
- MATLAB
- Simulink
- Stateflow
- Controls architecture
- Model-based development
- System integration
- Hardware/software integration
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following:
Embedded Development
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Simulink/Stateflow Coder
- MotoHawk
- Raptor
- OpenECU
- dSPACE
- RTOS-based platforms
- Microcontroller development
Control Systems
-
PID control
- Lead-lag compensation
- Loop shaping
- Root locus analysis
- Feedforward control
- Cascaded control architectures
- State-space modeling
- LQR/LQG
- Kalman Filtering
- Model Predictive Control (MPC)
- Robust control
- MIMO system design
Vehicle & System Simulation
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ADAMS
- Dymola
- CarSim
- TruckSim
- FMI/FMU
Defense & Vehicle Systems
-
Weapon systems
- Combat vehicle engineering
- Fire control systems
- Turret and ammunition handling systems
- Electric and hybrid vehicle architectures
- By-wire systems
- Actuator controls (motors and valves)
Networking & Communications
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Ethernet
- TCP/IP
- UDP
- EtherCAT
- DDS
- TSN
- CAN
- LIN
- J1939
- XCP/CCP
- Vector tools
- Kvaser
- INCA
Additional Experience
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Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system design
- Vehicle and system troubleshooting
- Data acquisition hardware and software
- Experience delivering defense software CDRLs
- Knowledge of applicable military standards including:
- MIL-STD-498
- MIL-STD-461
- MIL-STD-882E
- DO-178C
- DO-254
Education
Bachelor's or Master's degree in:
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Automotive Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechatronics
- Or a closely related technical discipline
Position Details
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Employment Type: Direct Hire
- Department: Electronics & Controls
- Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Additional hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
- Work Location: Onsite (Remote work is not available.)
- Travel: Approximately 10%, primarily to test sites throughout the Great Lakes region.
- Salary Range: $104,000-$173,000, depending on experience.
Additional Requirements
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This position supports ITAR-regulated programs.
- Dual citizenship is not permitted for this position.
- Candidates must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
- Position requires light physical activity.
Equal Opportunity Employer (including Disability/Veterans)
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