Software Developer - Embedded

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

JOB SUMMARY - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

The Software Developer will work primarily within research and development engineering groups with responsibility for a wide variety of tasks. The primary tasking will be the design and integration of software across a multitude of platforms providing system instrumentation, radar control, and data collection as well servicing a broad spectrum of application development. We are looking for developers who work well in both theoretical and practical domains as part of an iterative process to create innovative solutions for a multitude of software domain challenges.

These positions generally require the following abilities which are usually performed within an office environment but also in the field:

• Technical proficiency in any of the following: Embedded software, VxWorks, UI/UX/GUI design, .NET, Visual Studio, WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), C#, Object Oriented Design, Linux, QNX, Qt (C++), C, Git, Subversion
• Understanding of Requirements Definition, Participatory Design, Usability Engineering, and Usability Testing
• Familiarity with Visual Studio and .NET environments
• Proficiency with C# and Visual Studio on Windows and Linux platforms is desired.

A variety of assignments will be performed in planning and overseeing research, design, development, production, testing, installation, integration, sustainment, operation, and maintenance of diverse software for electronic and/or mechanical equipment and systems. The Software Developer will independently perform a range of design, development, analysis, or review tasks under generally established project deadlines.

This position may be hired as either a Software Engineer or a Computer Scientist depending upon the qualifications of the applicant. The qualification differences are primarily delineated by Software Engineers requiring an ABET accredited engineering degree while Computer Scientists do not have that requirement.

REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Note: Candidates with software or computer engineering or computer science backgrounds will be considered for this opening. 

Engineer III:

A Bachelor of Science in engineering from an ABET-accredited academic institution and 4 years of related engineering experience, or an accredited Master of Science in engineering and a minimum of 2 years of related engineering experience, or an accredited doctorate degree in engineering are required for this position.

In addition, an Engineer III must possess the following qualifications:

• Mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering that enable the employee to serve as a technical authority on projects relating to the specific programs
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to apply the latest developments in engineering to solve problems in the specialty area
• Working knowledge of computer systems and computer-based engineering tools
• Ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and software
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Planning/organizational skills and the ability to work under deadlines

Computer Scientist III:

One of the following educational requirements must be met for this position:

• A bachelor's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of 4 years of related experience
• A master's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience
• A PhD in an associated discipline

In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications:

• Experience with computer-based systems and applications
• Programming skills in languages used for job-specific programming tasks
• Familiarity with the application of industry standard hardware and software design and documentation techniques
• Experience with systems engineering and software development lifecycles
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Good planning/organizational skills

SALARY

The expected salary range for this position is $80,000 to $135,000 annually.

Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Benefits Active on Day 1
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts/FSA's
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match
• JT4 will match 50%, up to an 8% contribution
• 100% Immediate Vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement

NARRATIVES FOR EMBEDDED SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

• Radar Waveform Development -- A customer submits radar waveform requirements to our group and after numerous technical interactions, a set of waveform specifications is agreed upon which meet their needs and is technically achievable. Numerous trade spaces compatible with existing system capabilities are explored and possible solutions discussed before a final answer is determined. An Embedded Developer then begins decomposing the individual specifications to the necessary hardware instructions and desired system configurations. The coding effort starts with special attention given to unique system parameters critical to ensuring the radar is controlled within strict operating parameters, operates correctly and provides the expected data for collection. The testing aspect of the development effort includes initial measurements of the generated command signals using various test equipment and subsequent follow-on verification of a myriad of system parameters that could cause system or subsystem faults resulting in damage to the radar. The waveform is then put through a series of system level tests to verify the waveform provides exact control timing and data collection instructions to all radars in the system. Data is collected and analyzed using locally developed tools to verify the radar systems are operating correctly, individually and collectively, and producing the intended results.

Test Equipment, Hardware and Software used: Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Single Board Computer (SBC), VxWorks OS, Local software created on Visual Studio (C#).

 

In an analogous position, the Embedded Software Developer would create code commanding sensors and collecting sensor data for later analysis.

• Remoting a Digital Quadrature Detector (DQD) - The DQD consists of a Single Board Computer (SBC) and a sampling card used to sample radar data at very high rates which is then sorted and collected for processing. The DQD currently resides in a VME chassis shared with other hardware and this effort removed the DQD from the VME chassis while providing the same capabilities. The primary task moved messaging traffic between the chassis and the DQD into Ethernet to allow the DQD to be remoted and not reliant upon the VME chassis and hardware contained therein. After discussing the task with teammates and stakeholders the Embedded Developer created a set of requirements which specified, and added enhanced capabilities to, the data flow and messaging required to meet overall system specifications. The development created new messages and data injection into the framework to allow remote DQD operation. Continuous integration and testing was performed to ensure incremental success during development.

Test Equipment, Hardware and Software used: Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Wireshark, Single Board Computer (SBC), VxWorks OS, Local software created on Visual Studio (C#).

 

In an analogous position, the Embedded Software Developer would take an existing device and remote it within a system to perform the original functionality without influencing the overall system's operation.

• Control of an IR camera - This task required an IR camera is to be installed on a system. Most of these cameras usually have proprietary commands and controls which need to be presented to users for proper operation of the camera. After discussing the IR camera needs of the group with teammates and stakeholders, the Embedded Developer created a set of requirements which specified the necessary functions to control the camera. The Developer used this knowledge to conduct market research to find a suitable host device and determine an appropriate software framework. A Panel PC with Windows IoT OS was selected to host the applications controlling the camera and Visual Studio (C#) and .NET selected as the software framework. The development started with reading vendor information to understand the commands and controls of the cameras and then bench testing with emulators to verify correct understanding of the instruction set. Software development required defining numerous threads and the software architecture to support the low level control requirements. Screen layout and features (UI/UX) were developed to provide a link between the user and camera to provide an easy-to-use interface. Wireshark was used to debug and verify messaging traffic. Profiling tools were needed to identify and correct "quirky" camera interfaces and responsiveness. Security requirements necessitated the Panel PC be configured to boot from a locked disk. After booting, a script is run to connect to a server and download applications for camera operation and to start automatically.

Test Equipment, Hardware and Software used: Wireshark, Emulators, Panel PC, Visual Studio (C#), .NET.

 

In an analogous position, the Embedded Software Developer would be using a new device, understanding its command/controls, implementing a user interface to it, and providing a secure boot and remote application loading capability.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting while using the computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required.

Travel to remote company work locations may be required.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified.

Tasking is in support of a federal government contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license or other licenses / certifications and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment.

SCC: JSD12, JENG17; JCORP12