The Boeing Company is seeking a Lead Real-Time Software Architect to join its Defense Mission Computing Team in Hazelwood, Missouri. This hands-on role combines deep real-time and embedded systems expertise with safety and security principles to architect systems for defense applications. You will own multicore embedded software architecture, evaluation, and optimization across real-time and mixed-criticality systems while driving key decisions and mentoring team members.
What You'll Do
- Lead architecture for real-time and mixed‑criticality systems
- Define system decomposition, interfaces, and resource/timing goals
- Ensure safety, security, and isolation across domains
- Choose and integrate OS, virtualization, and middleware technologies
- Oversee hardware/software co-design and performance tuning
- Set V&V and certification approaches
- Build CI/CD and integration test practices
- Mentor team members and represent technical authority to customers and vendors
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in real-time, near real-time, or embedded systems
- 10+ years of experience developing software for VxWorks or other real-time operating systems
- 7+ years of experience developing software governed by processes for safety critical systems (DO-178B/C, etc.)
- 10+ years of experience with embedded systems security
- 10+ years of experience in software architecture and design of embedded software systems
Nice to Have
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science
- Experience with cross-domain gateway products, data diodes, and high-assurance mediation implementations
- Prior experience in cross-domain regulated environments (ITAR, DoD, aerospace, critical infrastructure) or holding relevant security clearances
- Familiarity with HW/SW co‑design (drivers, interrupts, DMA, memory/cache strategies)
- Strong systems architecture skills and experience producing architecture artifacts and decision records
- Knowledge of mixed‑criticality design, determinism, and timing/resource budgeting
- Experience with separation kernels/secure microkernels/hypervisors (seL4, PikeOS, ARINC 653, Xen, QEMU/KVM, Wind River Helix Virtualization for embedded)
- Familiarity with safety certification standards such as DO 178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and system safety processes
- Knowledge of deterministic networking protocols: TSN, AFDX/ARINC, CAN-FD, and DDS/RTPS
- Experience with high assurance/safe languages and standards (Ada/SPARK, Rust, MISRA C/C++)
- Exposure to formal methods, model checking, MBSE (SysML), or model-based verification tools
- Experience building CI/CD and HIL test automation for embedded platforms, including trace-based observability tools and hardware performance counters
- Background in cryptography, secure boot, TPM/SE integration, and PKI for embedded/edge devices
- Experience integrating FPGA/accelerators for latency-sensitive offload
- Leadership and mentoring ability; comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Strong communication skills for customer engagements, design reviews, and vendor interactions
Technical Stack
- Operating Systems & Virtualization: VxWorks, seL4, PikeOS, ARINC 653, Xen, QEMU/KVM, Wind River Helix Virtualization
- Languages & Standards: Ada/SPARK, Rust, MISRA C/C++, SysML
- Networking Protocols: TSN, AFDX/ARINC, CAN-FD, DDS/RTPS
Team & Environment
You'll be part of the Defense Mission Computing Team within the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Software Engineering organization, operating in a multidisciplinary, safety-critical environment.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $198,000 - $267,950
- Health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts
- Retirement savings plans
- Life and disability insurance programs
- Paid and unpaid time away from work programs
Work Mode
This position is hybrid and based in Hazelwood, Missouri.
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
