Embedded Software Engineer at Heads Up Technologies – Kirkland, Washington

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.

The Innovative Advantage team specializes in high-performance embedded audio, video, and data distribution systems for private jet aircraft. Our team is dedicated to innovation, creating seamless in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions that make air travel more enjoyable. We take pride in enabling the ultimate passenger experience by delivering reliable, high-quality products trusted by industry leaders.

About the role

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.

Key Details

• Work Days and Hours: Our normal working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, with the flexibility to work a 4x10 (M-TR) or 5x8 (M-F) schedule.

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

• Compensation: $120,000 to $145,000 per year

• Work Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen and authorized to work in the United States.

• This position is under Heads Up Technologies but will be working in the Innovative Advantage business unit. A new employee to the organization will be employed by Innovative Advantage Inc.

What you'll do

• 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.

What will make you successful in this role (skills)

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
  • Factory provisioning or production test infrastructure

Perks and Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities to plan for the future with our 401(k) program.
• Paid Time Off - Take the well-deserved time off you need.
• Life Insurance - Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with life insurance coverage.
• Health and wellness benefits including Health Savings Account (HSA) option.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• Positive and inclusive work culture with a laid-back work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexibility in your schedule to accommodate personal needs.

Why Join Us?

• Technical Excellence: Work with experts in embedded systems, audio/video distribution, and aviation technology.
• Innovative Culture: Be part of a team that values curiosity, continuous learning, and creative problem-solving.
• Meaningful Projects: Contribute to next-generation in-flight entertainment and data systems used in luxury aircraft.
• Professional Growth: Expand your skills through mentorship, hands-on development, and exposure to a wide range of technologies.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.