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Embedded Software Engineer

PTF Consulting, LLC

San Diego, CA • 9/15/2026

Job Description

Job Description
Embedded Software Engineer – Drone Systems

Build software that helps power next-generation drone systems supporting U.S. Government programs.

Are you the kind of engineer who likes working close to the hardware, digging into complex Linux issues, and solving problems that do not have obvious answers?

Do you enjoy writing high-performance C++ where reliability, responsiveness, and system behavior really matter?

Would you rather work on technically challenging systems with real-world mission impact than spend your time maintaining ordinary business applications?

If so, this could be a strong fit.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to advanced drone programs supporting U.S. Government customers.

This role is ideal for an engineer who is comfortable operating deep in the software stack, from application-level C++ down into Linux kernel behavior and system-level debugging. You will work on embedded software where performance, stability, reliability, and thoughtful engineering all matter.

You will join a technical environment where engineers are expected to solve difficult problems, collaborate across disciplines, and take ownership of their work from investigation through implementation and delivery.

This is a hybrid position with three days onsite and two days remote each week.

What You'll Work On Embedded Software Development

Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software using C++ for advanced drone platforms and related systems.

You will contribute to software where performance, reliability, and efficient use of system resources are critical.

Linux Systems & Kernel-Level Engineering

Work within Linux-based embedded environments and troubleshoot problems that may extend beyond the application layer.

You should be comfortable investigating operating-system behavior and working with concepts related to the Linux kernel, including system-level performance, processes, memory, drivers, interfaces, or other low-level components.

Complex Debugging & Root-Cause Analysis

Diagnose difficult software and system-level problems across embedded platforms.

You will be expected to move beyond symptoms, isolate root causes, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and implement solutions that improve system reliability and performance.

Cross-Functional Engineering

Collaborate with software, systems, hardware, test, and program teams to solve problems that often cross traditional engineering boundaries.

The strongest candidates will be comfortable learning how the entire system works rather than focusing only on their individual piece of the software.

Performance, Reliability & Continuous Improvement

Help improve the performance, stability, maintainability, and overall quality of the software platform.

You naturally think about factors such as latency, throughput, memory utilization, CPU usage, robustness, and predictable system behavior.

You'll Probably Thrive Here If

You enjoy solving technically difficult problems and are comfortable when the answer is not immediately obvious.

You are curious about how systems work beneath the surface and are willing to dig into operating-system and hardware interactions when necessary.

You take ownership of problems instead of waiting for someone else to define every step.

You are methodical when debugging but flexible when the original hypothesis turns out to be wrong.

You care about building reliable software, not simply getting code to compile.

And you enjoy working with other strong engineers to solve problems that cross software, hardware, and system boundaries.

What You Need to Bring Must Have
  • Strong professional experience developing software in C++
  • Hands-on experience working with the Linux kernel and Linux-based systems
  • Experience solving complex embedded, systems-level, or low-level software problems
  • Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers across multiple technical disciplines
  • Ability to work a hybrid schedule of three days onsite and two days remote
  • U.S. Citizenship is required due to the requirements associated with the U.S. Government programs supported by this position
Nice to Have

Experience in any of the following would be valuable, but is not required:

  • Python
  • Video streaming or real-time video systems
  • Video pipelines, codecs, or media processing
  • Gaming technology
  • Graphics or rendering systems
  • Real-time or performance-sensitive software
  • Embedded Linux development
  • Device drivers or hardware/software interfaces
  • Robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or unmanned systems
What Success Looks Like

Within your first 18–24 months, you have become a trusted technical contributor who can independently take on challenging embedded software problems.

You are delivering reliable C++ software, diagnosing difficult Linux and system-level issues, contributing to stronger platform performance and stability, and working effectively across engineering disciplines.

When a difficult technical problem appears, you are one of the engineers people trust to help figure out what is really happening and how to solve it.

Why This Role May Be Different

This is an opportunity to work on technically challenging systems where software interacts directly with real-world platforms.

You will have the chance to work beyond traditional application development, solve problems deeper in the technology stack, and contribute to drone programs with meaningful mission impact.

If you are a strong C++ engineer who enjoys Linux, embedded systems, and solving difficult technical problems, we would like to hear from you.

We arean Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees as required by applicable law.