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Software Engineer (Rust) – Embedded Systems | Aerospace & Defense

Valentine Recruiting
Full-time
On-site
Reston, VA
$200,000 - $230,000 USD yearly

Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)
Clearance: Active DoD Secret required
Travel: ~30%
Compensation: $200–$230K + full benefits & relocation

A leading aerospace & defense technology company is seeking an expert Rust Software Engineer to help drive the adoption of Rust across mission-critical, embedded system product lines. This person will guide best practices, modernize legacy systems, support embedded development, and serve as a key contributor within a Scrum team.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and support embedded software development using Rust.
  • Drive Rust adoption, design patterns, and tooling across multiple programs.
  • Help migrate legacy C/C++ codebases into Rust.
  • Translate requirements into reliable, maintainable code for mission-critical systems.
  • Work through the full SDLC: requirements, design, coding, integration, testing.
  • Troubleshoot complex issues and guide architectural decisions.
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, cyber, and product engineering teams.
  • Develop test plans, documentation, and participate in peer reviews.
  • Utilize Rust, C/C++, Python, and real-time OS environments (VxWorks, Linux, Integrity).
  • Mentor junior engineers.
  • Travel >30% for onboarding and cross-site integration.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in CS/CE/EE (or 16+ years experience without a degree).
  • 5+ years of Rust development for production systems (deep understanding of Rust).
  • Experience with C/C++ and object-oriented design.
  • U.S. citizenship with active DoD Secret clearance.
  • 10–12+ years software engineering experience (depending on degree).

Preferred Skills

  • Rust for embedded systems (highly preferred).
  • Converting C/C++ to Rust.
  • Embedded real-time development (device drivers, BSPs).
  • Experience with UML tools (MagicDraw, Cameo, Rhapsody).
  • Information Assurance, cryptography, NSA Type 1, or DO-178 experience.
  • Strong communication skills.

Ideal Candidate

An expert-level Rust engineer with strong embedded systems experience, a Secret clearance, and the ability to work onsite. Someone who can be both hands-on and a technical leader guiding Rust adoption across the organization.

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