Principal Software Engineer-Systems

Principal Software Engineer–Systems at BOEING summary

The Principal Software Engineer–Systems at Boeing leads software architecture development for air and missile defense systems, focusing on embedded and factory automation solutions. This role directs software system analyses, integration, testing, and coordinates with senior engineers and customers to drive program success. Key goals include adopting DevSecOps principles, enhancing factory automation, and supporting defense programs like PAC3 and ABMD.

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

The Boeing Company is currently seeking a Principal Software Engineer–Systems to support our Advanced Design and Prototype Solutions (ADaPS) team located in Huntsville, Alabama. This position will focus on supporting the Boeing Defense Services (BDS) business organization.

This person will direct development and maintenance of air and missile defense architectures across an array of programs and domains. The candidate will be responsible to identify and drive commonality; guide the adoption of DevSecOps principles in program execution and enable new capabilities via software-driven solutions.

IAMD programs currently include PAC3 SBV, PAC3 Block III/IV, IFPC, and ABMD. Common aspects include seeker software architectures, GNC architectures, and applications of the Weapons Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) standard. Common aspects also exist in the factory testing equipment, including construction and testing of thermal, shock and vibe, sensor, GNC, and power systems.

The IAMD business area is looking to address two business needs: (1) The need to plan, coordinate, and drive updates in software development approaches for both flight and ground to allow for more rapid deployment to the field and higher production rates at the factory across the whole IAMD portfolio; (2) A single software technical lead that aligns with IAMD Chief Engineers to coordinate/execute decisions, trade studies, communication, and technical approaches to resolve system issues across the set of programs.

A significant business goal will be to identify and enable factory automation leading to less rework and/or to factory capacity improvements. This is the number one priority of our Army customer and will require changes in SW test, automated deployment, introduction of robotics, and the possible use of AI concepts. These responsibilities will be performed on site.

Position Responsibilities

• The IAMD Programs SW Lead Engineer will be responsible for creating and leading implementation of architecture roadmaps for the factory and electronics (embedded) software products and represent the SW team as part of the Chief Engineer’s leadership team.
• Directs software system-level analyses to identify risk, issues and opportunities; consults on integration and deployment of mitigation actions throughout the software lifecycle. Also, directs monitoring and reviewing test completion, verification processes and issue resolution for software systems.
• Coordinate and provide direction to technical software leaders from each program who are themselves senior engineers. This position will also be expected to interact with Program Management on program planning, and to interact with Army and prime customers.
• This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience)

• 10+ years of experience in defense and aerospace software development processes and practice
• 10+ years of programming experience in complex systems: C, C++
• 5+ years of with testing embedded systems in a laboratory environment
• 3+ years of experience leading a software development project or team
• 3+ years of experience with aerospace sensor integration with RF systems
• Experience with PAC-3 Seeker development, qualification, testing, and fielding

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
• Experience with missile defense sensor algorithms
• Experience on the PAC3 program
• Experience with sensor systems for complex conversion of analog and waveform data
• Experience with high-speed flight or space systems such as NASA or Army systems
• Work experience or solid knowledge of embedded software and operating systems such as VxWorks.
• Work experience or knowledge of telemetry protocols and testing
• Work experience with high-speed embedded processors
• Work experience with hardware-software integration of RF or optical sensor systems
• Experience with advanced manufacturing automation such as use of multiple cameras
• Travel: less than 10%

Drug Free Workplace

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits

• At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
• The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
• The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
• Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Summary pay range for Principal Level: $181,050 - $244,950
• Applications for this position will be accepted until Oct. 13, 2025
• Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Export Control Details: US based job, US Person required
• Relocation
• This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
• Security Clearance
• This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
• Visa Sponsorship
• Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
• Shift
• This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Keywords

software engineering, embedded systems, air missile defense, DevSecOps, factory automation, software architecture, sensor integration, defense industry, C++ programming, system testing