Embedded Software Engineer

At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace and ALTO Aviation under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft. Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.

We are a team of engineers, innovators, creators, and problem solvers who are passionate about building smarter solutions for the aviation industry.

Through the combined strengths of our specialized brands and capabilities, Heads Up Technologies brings together deep technical expertise, modern design thinking, and a collaborative approach to support customers across every stage of the product lifecycle.

At Heads Up Technologies, our culture is grounded in shared values that guide how we work and grow.

Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and respect in everything we do.

Teamwork
We collaborate across teams and disciplines to achieve the best outcomes.

Excellence
We are committed to delivering high-quality work and continuously improving.

Expertise
We leverage our knowledge and experience to solve complex challenges

To elevate the aviation experience by delivering intelligent, integrated solutions powered by exceptional people.

Joining Heads Up Technologies means being part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation.

We offer an environment where employees are empowered to contribute, grow their careers, and make a direct impact on innovative products used across the globe. Whether you are developing technology or supporting business operations, your work here matters.

At Heads Up Technologies, we are committed to supporting the health, well being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees have access to a competitive benefits package designed to support life at work and beyond.

Benefits may include:

• Medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield (Company Paid)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account option with company contribution, if eligible
• Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Company paid Long Term Disability coverage
• Voluntary Short Term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness insurance
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Support resources
• Virtual care access
• Benefit Resource Center support
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Benefit eligibility and coverage are based on employment status, plan documents, and company policy. Official plan documents govern all benefits.

As a Software Engineer, you will design, implement, and validate embedded software for next-generation business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS). You will work across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments, integrate with custom hardware, and deliver certification-ready software used in production aircraft. This role owns complete features—from architecture through verification—and collaborates closely with hardware, FPGA, systems, and product management teams.

• Work Days and Hours: Monday- Friday, In Office.

• Location: Kirkland, Washington

• Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future, including sponsorship for H 1B, TN, E 3, O 1, L 1, H 1B1, STEM OPT extension support, or employment based permanent residency.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, hardware, and FPGA engineering teams throughout design and development.

• Learn and understand existing products and architectures to contribute effectively to revisions and enhancements.

• Implement product updates, addressing evolving customer needs and technological improvements.

• Design, build, and test new embedded products, taking concepts from prototype to production.

• Develop and maintain device drivers for audio, video, and other subsystem modules using schematics and component datasheets.

• Debug system-level issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and low-level software tools.

• Identify and resolve complex hardware/software integration problems through structured root-cause analysis.

• Participate in a rotating support role, acting as an engineering point of contact and contributing to developer infrastructure and backlog tasks.

• Apply engineering best practices, including code quality standards, documentation, and rigorous test methods.

• Balance speed and precision, knowing when to move quickly and when deeper investigation is needed.

• Drive innovation, proactively identifying opportunities to improve products, processes, and technologies.

• Grow your skills, taking on challenges outside your current expertise.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

• 3+ years of embedded software development experience.

• Strong programming skills: C, C++, Python, Bash.

• Experience with embedded platforms, including bare-metal systems, RTOS, and Embedded Linux.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and digital hardware designs.

• Hands-on debugging experience with scopes, logic analyzers, and low-level tools.

• Competency with Git, code reviews, and design reviews; familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira/Confluence).

• Experience with common communication interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART/serial, Ethernet, and related protocols.

• Embedded systems experience in distributed or networked environments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain technical topics clearly.

• Experience with audio/video codecs, media processing, or distribution systems.

• Background in networked or resource-constrained embedded devices.

• Experience in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, automotive).

• Exposure to both large-scale engineering organizations and fast-paced smaller companies.

• IoT experience, including device provisioning, credential management, and cloud/edge connectivity.

• Experience with any of the following:

• Yocto or custom Linux build systems

• Bare-metal development on Xilinx platforms

• GitHub Actions or similar CI pipelines

• pytest or automated test frameworks

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing

• Familiarity with DO 178C.