Software Engineer | Secure the Future of Aviation Technology

Build Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions for Mission-Critical Aerospace Systems

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to support a leading organization in the aviation industry. This high-impact opportunity is ideal for a cybersecurity-focused embedded software professional ready to develop secure boot technologies, firmware protection systems, and hardware root of trust solutions that safeguard next-generation aerospace platforms.

Based onsite in Hazelwood, MO, this 12-month consultant role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of aviation cybersecurity innovation while earning a highly competitive pay rate.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Software Engineer specializing in embedded cybersecurity, you will play a critical role in protecting complex aerospace systems from the ground up. Your expertise will support secure startup processes, encrypted firmware services, secure update mechanisms, and root of trust implementations that ensure system integrity throughout the product lifecycle.

Your work will directly influence the reliability, compliance, and resilience of advanced aviation systems operating in security-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, sign, configure, and validate secure boot loaders, including custom and signed EFI boot loaders

• Lead secure boot integration initiatives across embedded platforms

• Design and develop custom Secure Boot UEFI applications

• Perform recovery testing and verification for firmware security and secure startup processes

• Support PolarFire firmware services involving encryption and hashing algorithms

• Develop and maintain user-space APIs for encryption and hash functionality

• Implement hardware root of trust features, including fuse configuration and validation

• Manage firmware update planning, execution, and lifecycle verification

• Configure, test, and validate boot loaders for reliable and secure startup performance

• Collaborate with cybersecurity, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams

• Coordinate with external vendors to ensure security compliance and integration readiness

• Create technical documentation, training materials, and internal knowledge resources

• Stay current with cybersecurity best practices, embedded security trends, and evolving threats

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field

• Typically 9+ years of related experience, or equivalent advanced education/experience combination

• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience with secure boot loaders, signing, and configuration

• Strong expertise in UEFI Secure Boot, firmware security, encryption, and hashing algorithms

• Experience with PolarFire FPGA firmware services or similar hardware security platforms

• Proficiency in firmware updates, secure boot testing, and validation

• Experience with hardware root of trust concepts and fuse configuration

• Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, Bash, or similar languages

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills in security-critical environments

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical discipline

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical industries

• Familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, ISO 26262, or equivalent

• Experience supporting certification and compliance processes

• Proven success integrating cybersecurity features into regulated embedded systems

• ABET-accredited degree preferred

This opportunity supports innovation within the aerospace and defense sector, including programs aligned with other advanced aviation platforms.

Why Join Us

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll join a team that connects top engineering talent with world-class aerospace innovators. This is your chance to work on highly visible, technically challenging programs where your expertise directly strengthens aviation safety and cybersecurity.

You’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay starting at : $77.04 per hour

• Full-time consultant opportunity (12 months)

• Stable weekday schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

• Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace cybersecurity technologies

• Collaborative engineering environment with meaningful impact

• Opportunity to grow your experience in secure embedded systems

Apply Today

If you’re a seasoned software engineer passionate about embedded cybersecurity, secure boot systems, and protecting next-generation aerospace platforms, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and help build the secure aviation systems of tomorrow.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
 

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