Principal Embedded Software Engineer- Avionics

Req Id: 226 Location: AURORA, IL, US, 60504 CLARKSBURG, MD, US, 20871 Date: Jan 25, 2026 Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technologies, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI’s key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do! Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
• Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
• Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid Working Environment

We currently have an opening in our Clarksburg, MD OR Aurora, IL office for a Principal Software Engineer . The candidate will have responsibility for software architecture design and implementation associated with helmet-mounted display systems for fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. The candidate should be familiar with the Avionics domain. This position reports directly to the Software Engineering Manager in Aurora, IL.

Responsibilities

Key contributor in helmet-mounted display applications:

• Provide technical expertise in the design of Avionics display systems.
• Develop efficient and robust software architecture that remains consistent with safety and regulatory requirements in accordance with RTCA DO-178C.
• Evaluate competing technical solutions.
• Provide technical expertise in Model-Based Design, ARINC 653 specification, and protocols including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429 and ARINC 615.
• Perform software design in ARINC 653-compliant RTOS and embedded Linux.
• Proficiency in coding in C and Python, Unit Test and Integration Test.
• Serves as technical lead in software development projects.
• Provides technical assistance in developing proposals and bids and supporting customer queries.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Bachelor’s Degree Required; BSCS, BSCE or BSEE preferred.
• 8 years or more of experience in Software Engineering.
• Proven experience working on ARINC 653-compliant RTOS, Model-Based Design and protocols including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429 and ARINC 615.
• Proven experience working on embedded systems in a Linux environment.
• Possesses knowledge of practical and theoretical design of deterministic embedded systems.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $146,421- $187,094 USD (MD)/ $140,573-179,621 USD (IL) along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at [email protected]. Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer. If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016. Nearest Major Market: Aurora Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago Apply tot his job Apply To this Job