Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Innovative Advantage)

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 Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will architect, implement, and own embedded software across next-generation and fielded business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS). Your primary project will be a Yocto-based video encoder/decoder platform that streams HDCP-protected content over IP for in-cabin distribution. You will work across Embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments—driving technical direction on video pipelines, HDCP integration, FPGA interfaces, and platform migration while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating closely with hardware, user-applications, FPGA, systems, quality, and cross-company teams. This role owns complete subsystems end-to-end: from architecture through verification, from new product development through sustaining engineering of fielded product lines.

Key Details

• Work Days and Hours: Monday to Friday, Full- Time.

• Location: This is a full-time onsite position located in Kirkland, Washington.

• Work Eligibility: Must possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

• Own subsystem architecture and delivery for embedded products, driving reliability and maintainability across

• Lead the video encoder/decoder platform, implementing HDCP-protected content streaming over IP for cabin-wide distribution (RX/TX), including FPGA PL/PS integration on Zynq-based designs.

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

• Debug and root-cause issues across SoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP), peripherals (I2C/SPI/UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet), and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast, RTP/RTSP) using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.

• Mentor junior engineers, lead sustaining efforts, prioritize defect backlogs, and coordinate release planning with product management.

• Manage component obsolescence and end-of-life transitions; evaluate and integrate alternate parts with minimal design disruption.

• Maintain certification-aligned processes (requirements, code reviews, regression tests, verification evidence) and engineering best practices across fielded and new products.

• Collaborate cross-functionally across FPGA, hardware, manufacturing, quality, and field support teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

• 8+ years of embedded software development experience.

• Strong experience with embedded Linux, including Yocto/OpenEmbedded-based BSP development, kernel configuration, driver work, and PetaLinux migration.

• Hands-on experience with embedded video subsystems (RX/TX)—V4L2, GStreamer, or similar—and familiarity with HDCP or similar content-protection protocols.

• Experience with ARM-based SoC architectures (Xilinx Zynq, Qualcomm, NXP i.MX), including device tree configuration, BSP bring-up, and driver-level integration.

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

• Strong debugging and root cause analysis across hardware/software boundaries using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and trace tools.

• Experience with communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) in distributed or networked embedded environments.

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

• Experience sustaining embedded products through their full lifecycle, including post-release maintenance and field issue resolution.

• Disciplined approach to regression testing, requirements traceability, and change-impact analysis.

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

• Ability to ramp up on legacy codebases and make safe, well-scoped changes with minimal regression risk.

• Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.

• Experience with audio/video codecs, media processing, or IP-based AV distribution systems.

• Familiarity with HDCP key management, authentication protocols, and compliance testing.

• Familiarity with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis toolchains and workflows.

• Experience with Qualcomm or NXP i.MX BSPs and vendor SDKs.

• Experience with one or more Real-Time Operating Systems (uCOS-II, QNX, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).

• Experience with ARM assembly language.

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

• Familiarity with DO-178C, FAA, and/or Mil Spec requirements.

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

• Experience with GitHub Actions or similar CI pipelines.

• Experience with pytest or automated test frameworks.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing or factory provisioning/production test infrastructure.

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