Engineer the Future of Connected Aviation — Embedded Software Engineer Opportunity

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a pioneering leader in the aviation industry to hire a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer (Link 16 Focus). If you are passionate about building mission-critical systems that power global communication and defense technologies, this is your opportunity to make a real-world impact.

About the Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will design and develop cutting-edge embedded and real-time software systems that support advanced tactical data link communications, including Link 16. Your work will directly contribute to high-performance aviation and defense platforms used worldwide—helping ensure seamless, secure, and reliable communication in complex environments.

• Location: San Diego, CA 92128 (Onsite at Rancho Carmel)
  
• Schedule: Monday–Friday
  
• Type: Full-Time Consultant (12 months)
  
• Pay Rate: $89.13/hour
  

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software for real-time systems, with a focus on Link 16 and Tactical Datalink technologies
  
• Define software architecture and implement solutions for complex, multi-threaded embedded environments
  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Systems Engineering, Hardware, Digital Engineering, and Integration & Test
  
• Analyze system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance for mission-critical applications
  
• Contribute to the full software development lifecycle—from requirements through testing and deployment
  
• Develop and debug real-time embedded systems and low-level firmware integrations
  
• Utilize Agile methodologies and tools such as Jira, Git, and Bitbucket
  
• Work with lab equipment including tactical radios and datalink terminals to validate system functionality
  

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or related STEM field with 5+ years of experience (or advanced degree with equivalent experience)
  
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and object-oriented programming
  
• Experience across the full software lifecycle, including requirements, development, and testing
  
• Hands-on experience with real-time embedded systems and multi-threaded applications
  
• Experience integrating firmware and low-level software components
  
• Familiarity with static analysis and unit testing
  
• Experience with Agile tools such as Jira, Git, and Bitbucket
  
• Knowledge of Link 16 waveform and tactical datalink systems
  
• Experience with lab equipment such as radios or communication terminals
  
• Familiarity with standards and frameworks such as CORBA, SCA, and MIL-STD-6016
  
• Ability to work onsite full-time in San Diego
  
• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.
  
• 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.                                               
  
   
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Avionics Operating Systems
  
• Experience with Xilinx platforms (Zynq, Ultrascale+, VERSAL) and tools (Vivado, Vitis)
  
• Familiarity with Yocto/Petalinux
  
• Knowledge of communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, TCP/IP)
  
• Experience with Software Defined Radios and cryptographic implementations
  
• Familiarity with Linux kernel development, device drivers, and embedded architectures (PowerPC, bare metal)
  
• Experience with Rust, assembly language, or advanced networking/secure communication protocols (HAIPE, IKE, OTNK)
  
• Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance (or SAP clearance) is a strong plus
  

Why Join Us

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll be part of something bigger:

• Innovate with Purpose: Work on advanced aviation and defense systems that have global impact
  
• Collaborate with Experts: Join a team of high-performing engineers pushing the boundaries of technology
  
• Grow Your Career: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, platforms, and mission-critical systems
  
• Competitive Compensation: Earn strong pay for your expertise and contributions
  
• Be at the Forefront of Technology: Contribute to next-generation communication systems used worldwide
  

Ready to Build the Systems That Keep the World Connected?

If you’re driven by innovation, thrive in complex technical environments, and want to work on systems that truly matter—we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take your engineering career to new heights with PDS Tech Commercial.

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