Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer (clearance required)

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Mission Solutions

Powering Decision

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

Mission Solutions

By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, tactical command and control, and seamless video data exchange capabilities within a dynamic, multi-domain environment.

Job Description

Ultra ProLogic is expanding its encryption business and seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to help architect, implement, and certify high-assurance cryptographic systems used by the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO, and allied partners.

This role goes beyond traditional embedded development. You will work on security-critical software and firmware that must meet NSA High Assurance (HA) certification requirements, contributing directly to cryptographic information assurance architectures, certification artifacts, and fielded systems protecting real-world tactical and strategic networks.

If you are motivated by deep technical challenges—secure embedded design, Rust adoption in constrained environments, and building systems that withstand formal certification scrutiny—this role offers rare and meaningful work.

What You’ll Work On

High-assurance cryptographic and key management systems supporting secure communications, remote rekey, and lifecycle management
Embedded software and firmware operating within defined crypto, INFOSEC, and High Assurance boundaries
Architecture and implementation of cryptographic information assurance (IA) software and systems
Systems that undergo formal NSA High Assurance certification, from requirements through fielding and sustainment

Role Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware primarily in VHDL for cryptographic and security-critical platforms
Develop embedded algorithms and functions in firmware
Develop device drivers for hardware components
Architect cryptographic information assurance Firmware and systems, including definition of security boundaries, trusted services, and separation of crypto and non-crypto functions
Perform trade studies and embedded architecture design, with emphasis on red-black separation, Security Monitor, bus interfaces and channel development
Actively support the NSA High Assurance certification process, including:
Requirements decomposition and traceability
Security architecture definition and documentation
Development of certification artifacts and evidence
Participation in technical reviews and certification milestones
Develop and maintain formal engineering documentation:
Software & Hardware Requirements (SHRS, IRS)
Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
Software/Hardware Design Descriptions (SHDD)
Develop and execute simulations, integration, and acceptance testing, including hardware-in-the-loop and security-relevant test cases
Manage configuration control for firmware development items in certified baselines
Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, software, security, and test engineers in a high-performance, mission-driven team
Identify and implement process, tooling, and automation improvements to support secure development and certification efficiency
Periodic travel (~5%) for customer interaction, test events, or off-site integration activities
Required Qualifications

Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or equivalent experience
8+ years of embedded firmware development experience in VHDL
Experience with:
Low-level embedded development and debugging
ARM/MicroBlaze-based processors and SoC platforms
Firmware and hardware/software integration
Strong understanding of memory management, concurrency, and deterministic embedded behavior
Preferred / Differentiating Experience

10+ years of embedded or firmware development experience
Direct experience with NSA High Assurance certification, RMF, or similar DoD security frameworks
Familiarity with cryptographic system design, key management, and secure boot/trust architectures
Experience with:
AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC (e.g., Xilinx ZCU102/104 Evaluation Kit or similar)
Experience working in waterfall or agile development methodology-based projects
Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to assess technical risk and security impact
Clear communicator who thrives in collaborative, technically rigorous teams
Why Ultra ProLogic

Work on fielded, certified cryptographic systems and research & development projects
Direct exposure to and participation in NSA High Assurance certification
Opportunity to influence system architecture, not just implementation
Hands-on role in modernizing high-assurance systems
Long-term programs, stable funding, and deeply technical challenges

#IC

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

Annual Bonus - Annual Bonus – Performance Related
Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus 11 company holidays
Early finish on Friday
401K w/ company match
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
Student Loan Assistance Program
Array of voluntary benefit offerings

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes.

We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email careers@ultra-ic.com."

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