Embedded Software Engineer Hybrid- Aberdeen, Maryland

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Mid to Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD Type: Hybrid (Travel to Aberdeen, Maryland on occasion)

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with strong experience developing and deploying software on Xilinx UltraScale+ platforms using PetaLinux, with hands-on familiarity working alongside hardware teams on PCB-based embedded systems. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and optimize low-level and Linux-based embedded software for mission-critical communications and signal processing applications.

This role involves building robust software stacks for FPGA/SoC-based systems, integrating drivers and peripherals, and supporting system bring-up from prototype to fielded platforms. You will work closely with FPGA, DSP, RF, and hardware engineers to deliver high-performance solutions for tactical communications in contested and bandwidth-constrained environments.

This position reports to the Chief Technology & Strategy Office and involves close collaboration with customers and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for RF Tactical & Naval Military Solutions, as well as strategic border protection applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop embedded Linux software for Xilinx UltraScale+ (Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC) platforms using PetaLinux (BSP creation, kernel configuration, rootfs customization, and image generation).
• Support hardware bring-up and integration on custom PCB designs, including board validation, peripheral checkout, and troubleshooting.
• Implement and maintain device drivers and board support components (GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, DMA, etc.).
• Integrate FPGA logic with embedded software using AXI interfaces and Linux user-space access methods (UIO, mmap, sysfs, etc.).
• Build and optimize performance-critical embedded Linux applications (real-time data movement, streaming interfaces, latency tuning).
• Develop test utilities, diagnostics, and automation for lab and field validation.
• Participate in system integration and testing in lab and field settings; debug cross-domain issues spanning hardware, FPGA, kernel, and user space.
• Author technical documentation, software design descriptions, integration notes, and SBIR deliverables as required.

Required Qualifications