Job Title:Do not wait to apply after reading this description a high application volume is expected for this opportunity.Embedded Controls Software EngineerType of Position:DIRECT HIRECandidate Requirements:This role is working for a major defense contractor. Candidates MUST be eligible to obtain a secret security clearance (please note, clearance isnt required to start but all candidates will need to be eligible to obtain a clearance). Obtaining secret clearance requires US Citizenship (accordingly thats a requirement for this role). Candidates who are Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) are not eligible for this role. Candidates on CPT, OPT, H1B or TN visas are also not eligible for this role. This company is NOT open to corp2corp (c2c) or corp2hire (c2h).Job Location:Fredericksburg, VA (on site role).Compensation:Compensation is commensurate with experience, education, and skill level. We are generally targeting $90K/yr to $110K/yr but there may be some flexibility depending on experience.Benefits:Available and competitive (health insurance, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, etc)Job Description:HRU Technical Resources has partnered with a leading developer of advanced robotic and electromechanical systems for military, government, and commercial use. Our engineering teams specialize in rugged, field-deployable platforms, including unmanned ground vehicles, robotic arms, power systems, and environmental control technologies. We are seeking a hands-on Embedded Controls Software Engineer to join a tight-knit, multi-disciplinary engineering team building next-generation unmanned and robotic systems. This role is part of a broader effort to develop advanced robotic and electromechanical platforms for military, government, and commercial use. Our engineering teams work on rugged, field-deployable systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and software disciplinesfrom prototype through production. Youll be part of a group that builds and tests real-world systems in lab environments, not just in simulation or on paper. Your initial focus will be on a hybrid diesel-electric unmanned ground vehicle, with opportunities to contribute to robotic arms and other electromechanical systems as projects evolve. This is not a desk-only role. You'll spend a significant portion of your time working hands-on with hardwarebringing up new systems, tuning control loops, integrating sensors, and troubleshooting physical prototypes. If you thrive at the intersection of embedded software, hardware integration, and real-world testing, this position offers the kind of challenge you're looking for.Primary and Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and integrate embedded software using C/C++ for real-time control systemsConduct hands-on hardware testing, system integration, and debugging of robotic vehicles and subsystemsWork on motor control, sensor integration, and actuator interfacingDevelop low-level drivers, board support packages, and software for real-time embedded systems (Linux or RTOS-based)Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to test and validate hardware/software interactionsUse communication protocols such as CAN, RS232/422/485, TCP/IPSupport wiring, instrumentation, and test setup in the labUse tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters to diagnose and solve system-level issuesVersion control with Git/GitHubSupport analysis and simulation using Python (NumPy/SciPy/Matplotlib) or Matlab/OctaveOptional: Contribute to electronics design using Altium or similar tools (this isnt required, but candidates with this experience are desired).Qualifications:US Citizenship required (must be eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance, and Secret clearance requires US Citizenship)BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field2+ years of experience in embedded software development and hardware integration (early to mid career)Demonstrated experience with:Real-time embedded systems (RTOS and/or Embedded Linux)Motor control, actuator interfacing, and sensor feedback loopsEmbedded software bring-up, device drivers, and board support packagesHardware troubleshooting with instruments (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers)Communication protocols like CAN, RS232/422, TCP/IPComfort working on electro-mechanical systems and debugging across disciplinesStrong intuition for mechanical systems; able to support system-level integrationAbility to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced prototype lab environmentSolid foundation in electronics and practical circuit debuggingExcellent interpersonal skills to work with teammates, vendors, and partnersStrong computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft OfficeBonus / nice-to-have:Experience with robot locomotion, exoskeleton robotics, or hybrid electric vehiclesFamiliarity with localization, mapping, motion planning, or autonomous navigationExperience with computer visionKnowledge of software safety in embedded systemsWork Environment / Other Info:1st (day) shift role standard business hours.Daily lab work and prototyping in a hardware-focused R&D setting (there will be standard office work as well).Frequent physical interaction with robotic systems; expect time spent testing, wiring, and troubleshooting alongside engineersPPE may be required when in manufacturing areasOffer may be contingent upon a drug screen and background check (drug screen would include cannabis).EOE (including Disability/Veterans).How to Apply for This Job:To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. Well get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next youll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage well give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.#HRUJobs