Software Architect - Embedded Systems

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Software Architect – Embedded Systems  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Platforms & Mission Engineering the Software Architect – Embedded Systems will lead the design and integration of modern multicore software architectures for advanced aerospace and defense platforms. This role requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, virtualization, hypervisor frameworks, and embedded multicore SoC architectures, with a proven ability to architect secure, high-performance solutions for mission-critical systems. As a technical subject matter expert, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of secure software frameworks into embedded platforms. You will collaborate across avionics, RF communications, navigation, and computing domains to deliver resilient, scalable, and secure architectures for next-generation missions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and implement multicore software architecture roadmaps aligned with mission requirements.
• Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for virtualization, hypervisor, and secure computing frameworks.
• Establish technical standards and architectures supporting interoperability across embedded platforms.
• Architect secure, high-performance software frameworks for multicore SoCs in aerospace and defense applications.
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams in software design, integration, and qualification.
• Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, resilience, and cyber protection.
• Oversee execution of software architecture projects from concept through deployment.
• Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with hardware, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
• Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in embedded software architecture and systems engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in: Modern multicore software architectures
• Cybersecurity frameworks and secure computing
• Virtualization and hypervisor design
• Embedded multicore SoC integration
• Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for mission-critical applications.
• Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and secure partitioning frameworks.
• Knowledge of trusted computing, encryption, and cyber-resilient architectures.
• Background in FPGA/ASIC integration with multicore software frameworks.
• Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on secure embedded systems.
• Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.