Guide the design, development, implementation, and testing of software throughout the full product lifecycle. Work collaboratively with team members and other departments to ensure successful integration of software components. Lead solutions for complex problems and provide technical leadership within software-focused groups. Oversee the gathering and analysis of software metrics to optimize performance and ensure product quality. Engage and provide necessary support in software working groups that include customer members. Ensure adherence to best software practices throughout all stages of development. Facilitate the progression of software products through all lifecycle stages, embracing best practices and industry standards. Willingness to work off-peak for short term surge support to meet program milestones. (Principal Engineer Software) Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 5+ years of experience in software engineering, a Master's degree with 3+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 0 years of relevant experience. (Sr Principal Engineer Software) Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8+ years of experience in software engineering, a Master's degree with 6+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in object-oriented programming languages such as C/C++. Extensive experience (8+ years) with Windows, Linux, and/or real-time operating systems like LynxOS or VxWorks. In-depth knowledge of aviation or safety-critical systems and a strong understanding of safety-critical software development protocols. Eligibility and capability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance, along with any other special program clearances as needed. Proficient in creating and maintaining comprehensive software documentation throughout the development lifecycle. Practical experience with DO-178C or equivalent safety-critical software standards. Detailed knowledge of avionics communication protocols, especially ARINC 429, ARINC 422, and MIL-STD-1553. Experience in embedded testing environments, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) for avionics systems. Familiarity with certification processes within aviation industry standards, such as RTCA/DO-178 for software. Demonstrated capability to function effectively in a team environment and interact successfully with engineering counterparts across various disciplines. Experience with collaborative software development tools, such as the GitLab suite, with a focus on version control systems like Git. Active DoD Top Secret level security clearance is highly preferred.