Software Engineer | Secure the Future of Aviation Technology
Build Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions for Mission-Critical Aerospace Systems
PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to support a leading organization in the aviation industry. This high-impact opportunity is ideal for a cybersecurity-focused embedded software professional ready to develop secure boot technologies, firmware protection systems, and hardware root of trust solutions that safeguard next-generation aerospace platforms.
Based onsite in Hazelwood, MO, this 12-month consultant role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of aviation cybersecurity innovation while earning a highly competitive pay rate.
Role Summary & Impact
As a Software Engineer specializing in embedded cybersecurity, you will play a critical role in protecting complex aerospace systems from the ground up. Your expertise will support secure startup processes, encrypted firmware services, secure update mechanisms, and root of trust implementations that ensure system integrity throughout the product lifecycle.
Your work will directly influence the reliability, compliance, and resilience of advanced aviation systems operating in security-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, sign, configure, and validate secure boot loaders, including custom and signed EFI boot loaders
Lead secure boot integration initiatives across embedded platforms
Design and develop custom Secure Boot UEFI applications
Perform recovery testing and verification for firmware security and secure startup processes
Support PolarFire firmware services involving encryption and hashing algorithms
Develop and maintain user-space APIs for encryption and hash functionality
Implement hardware root of trust features, including fuse configuration and validation
Manage firmware update planning, execution, and lifecycle verification
Configure, test, and validate boot loaders for reliable and secure startup performance
Collaborate with cybersecurity, hardware, firmware, and software engineering teams
Coordinate with external vendors to ensure security compliance and integration readiness
Create technical documentation, training materials, and internal knowledge resources
Stay current with cybersecurity best practices, embedded security trends, and evolving threats
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field
Typically 9+ years of related experience , or equivalent advanced education/experience combination
Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience with secure boot loaders, signing, and configuration
Strong expertise in UEFI Secure Boot, firmware security, encryption, and hashing algorithms
Experience with PolarFire FPGA firmware services or similar hardware security platforms
Proficiency in firmware updates, secure boot testing, and validation
Experience with hardware root of trust concepts and fuse configuration
Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, Bash , or similar languages
Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills in security-critical environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or PhD in a relevant technical discipline
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical industries
Familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, ISO 26262 , or equivalent
Experience supporting certification and compliance processes
Proven success integrating cybersecurity features into regulated embedded systems
ABET-accredited degree preferred
This opportunity supports innovation within the aerospace and defense sector, including programs aligned with other advanced aviation platforms.
Why Join Us
At PDS Tech Commercial, you'll join a team that connects top engineering talent with world-class aerospace innovators. This is your chance to work on highly visible, technically challenging programs where your expertise directly strengthens aviation safety and cybersecurity.
You'll enjoy:
Competitive pay starting at : $77.04 per hour
Full-time consultant opportunity (12 months)
Stable weekday schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace cybersecurity technologies
Collaborative engineering environment with meaningful impact
Opportunity to grow your experience in secure embedded systems
Apply Today
If you're a seasoned software engineer passionate about embedded cybersecurity, secure boot systems, and protecting next-generation aerospace platforms, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and help build the secure aviation systems of tomorrow.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
Pay Details: $77.04 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the @type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
