Staff Embedded Software Engineer
Do you want to create technology that makes a difference in the world? At Applied Research Associates (ARA), we create software that improves our nation’s safety and security. ARA has been the recognized defense industry leader in augmented reality (AR) software applications for over a decade. ARA is 100% employee-owned, which means that everyone benefits from the company’s success. As a part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a unique real-world impact!
At ARA we are driven by a passion for developing innovative solutions to challenging problems of national importance. Our culture rewards autonomy and initiative and we foster a stable environment where personal and professional growth are prioritized.
For this position we are looking for highly skilled scientists and engineers to join our augmented reality (AR) team. ARA’s augmented reality technology is used by the US Army and others to improve the situational awareness of our soldiers on the battlefield. Our AR technology provides accurate, timely information so that teams can make the right decisions and operate with enhanced safety and speed. It is not an overstatement to say that this capability will save lives, by improving coordination, decisiveness, and communication.
Specifically, we need engineers and scientists who have the ability or interest to design and implement defense-grade augmented reality software. The software you develop will be fielded on a wide range of Army systems, including night vision goggles, ground vehicles, and far target locators.
See what we do, and read about us in the news:
* ARC4 Homepage
* Read at ARA.com, “US Army Awards ARA Contract for It’s Cutting-Edge Augmented Reality Software”
+ https://www.ara.com/news/us-army-awards-ara-contract-its-cutting-edge-augmented-reality-software/
* Read at Ars Technica, “Head up: Augmented reality prepares for the battlefield”
* WATCH on YouTube, “ARC4 Fieldcraft Series: Marking Points”
+ https://youtu.be/ZCDpdFq_bic
Our technology:
* Embedded software applications, running on resource-constrained systems
* Developing code to work with sensors, displays and novel communication interfaces
* Tight collaboration with hardware and mechanical design teams
* Efficient embedded software implementations, written in C, C++ or Rust
* High-speed video signal processing implemented in FPGA fabric
* Custom-built drivers integrating embedded devices with application software built for Windows, Linux and Android
* Providing sensor data to real-time sensor fusion solutions utilizing Kalman filters and algorithms to estimate position and orientation of users in the real-world
* Multiple advanced inertial sensor calibration solutions
Our team’s interests:
* Purpose-Built Devices- Our code runs on devices that people work with and wear, which comes with unique processing and resource constraints. This also means we employ multiple strategies to test our code from automated unit testing to device emulation and field testing
* Efficient Embedded Implementations- To maximize runtime and minimize power consumption, we look for ways to leverage purpose-built peripherals, distribute workloads to “right-sized” processing systems, and maximize time spent in low-power states
* Cutting-Edge Sensor Technology- We have to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in sensing technology, from chip-scale optical gyros to near-field magnetic induction
* Resilient North-Seeking and Geo-Location Strategies- Our customers often work outdoors and need to visualize geo-registered information. Our AR technology is built from the ground up to enable efficient navigation and coordination
* Sensor Fusion- Our AR solutions are working with noisy sensors in real-time, whether tracking pedestrian head position or vehicle orientation. We use various kinds of Kalman filters and particle filters to get the job done and we love digging into the details
Candidates must have:
* Due to the work we perform and our interactions with the defense community you will need to be a U.S. citizen and eligible to apply for and hold a US security clearance
* One of the following:
+ Bachelor’s degree in computer, electrical or software engineering or a related field with 2 years of professional experience in embedded software engineering
+ Master's degree in computer, electrical or software engineering or a related field
* Familiarity with a general-purpose programming language and some experience with one of the following languages: Rust, C, or C++
* Familiarity with basic embedded software concepts, including microcontrollers, serial communications, and configuration of peripheral devices
* A desire to learn at least one of our other technologies or interests
Staff Embedded Software Engineer Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience developing code for ARM-based microcontrollers
* Experience debugging code in embedded environments
* Experience with FPGA firmware development
This position is posted on careers.ara.com for a wide range of experience levels. Candidates should find and apply to the appropriate level.
* Junior-level: no professional experience
* Staff-level: 2+ years of professional experience or post-graduate education
* Mid-level: 5+ years of professional experience or post-graduate education
* Senior-level: combined 8+ years of professional experience and post-graduate education, with demonstrated experience in an area of direct relevance to Augmented Reality systems
Who is ARA?
Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,271 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norms. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.
To find out more about Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/raleigh/
Experience
Required
* 2 year(s): Relevant Work Experience
Education
Required
* Bachelors or better in Computer Engineering or related field
Preferred
* Masters or better in Computer Engineering or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)