Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Platform and Foundation Software (Onsite)

Want to lead the development of the embedded platforms that power the next generation of advanced avionics systems? The Advanced Processing Architectures Software organization delivers embedded processing solutions used across a wide range of safety‑critical commercial and military avionics applications. Our team develops, verifies, certifies, and sustains advanced processing and graphics capabilities that uphold the highest standards of reliability and performance. 

We are seeking a Principal Embedded Platform Software Engineer to lead the development of platform control software for next‑generation processing architectures—including advanced SoCs, MPSoCs, and custom silicon. In this role, you will shape system architecture, guide certification‑aligned development, and drive platform capabilities such as secure boot, system initialization, health monitoring, and hardware bring‑up. You will lead small engineering teams, mentor peers, and provide technical oversight across suppliers, internal partners, and cross‑functional development efforts. 

What You Will Do: 

• Lead the design and development of embedded platform software for processor control, power management, system health monitoring, and hardware coordination 
• Architect and integrate secure boot flows, platform security mechanisms, and trusted initialization paths 
• Develop and guide implementation of low‑level drivers, HAL layers, diagnostics, and bring‑up tools for new processing hardware 
• Drive early embedded software development using virtual platforms (simulation, emulation, FPGA prototypes) prior to hardware availability 
• Provide technical leadership and oversight to subcontract suppliers developing bootloaders, BSPs, and secure startup software 
• Lead integration and validation of RTOS/BSP deliverables, including Wind River Helix components 
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC design teams to define hardware–software interfaces and drive architectural decisions 
• Lead debugging and resolution of complex hardware/software interaction issues across pre‑silicon and post‑silicon phases 
• Support certification activities by contributing to design documentation, requirements traceability, verification strategies, and safety‑critical artifacts 
• Drive improvements in software processes, automation, pipelined build/test workflows, and development efficiency 
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, foster collaboration, and coordinate small team efforts 
• Identify risks, propose innovative solutions, and influence long‑term platform strategy 

Qualifications We Require: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Typically 8+ years of embedded software development experience 
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems architecture 
• Experience with SoC/MPSoC platform software (experience with ASIC‑based platforms strongly preferred) 
• Demonstrated experience leading small teams or technical workstreams 
• Experience with virtual development environments (simulation, emulation, QEMU, FPGA prototypes) 
• Hands‑on experience with driver development, hardware bring‑up, and system initialization flows 
• Background in avionics‑related capabilities such as system health monitoring, BIT, redundancy management, or deterministic scheduling 
• Strong knowledge of secure boot concepts, platform security, and trusted execution fundamentals 
• Experience working with pipelined build and test environments (CI/CD, automated build/test pipelines) 
• Solid understanding of register‑level hardware interfaces, interrupts, and reset flows 
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional teams 

Qualifications We Prefer: 

• Experience with Wind River Helix RTOS or similar safety‑critical real‑time operating systems 

• Experience contributing to or leading avionics certification or safety‑critical development processes 

• Experience guiding early‑boot or secure startup software development 

• Experience driving process improvements, workflow automation, or architectural modernization initiatives 

• Experience coordinating with external suppliers or integrating third‑party bootloaders, BSPs, or RTOS deliverables 

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

• Tuition reimbursement program 

• Student Loan Repayment Program  

• Life insurance and disability coverage  

• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

• Adoption Assistance           

• Autism Benefit  

• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

•  And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!​

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.