Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer (clearance required) (Tampa)

Job DescriptionThis 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 sustainmentRole ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain embedded firmware primarily in VHDL for cryptographic and security-critical platformsDevelop embedded algorithms and functions in firmwareDevelop device drivers for hardware componentsArchitect cryptographic information assurance Firmware and systems, including definition of security boundaries, trusted services, and separation of crypto and non-crypto functionsPerform trade studies and embedded architecture design, with emphasis on red-black separation, Security Monitor, bus interfaces and channel developmentActively support the NSA High Assurance certification process, including:Requirements decomposition and traceabilitySecurity architecture definition and documentationDevelopment of certification artifacts and evidenceParticipation in technical reviews and certification milestonesDevelop 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 casesManage configuration control for firmware development items in certified baselinesCollaborate closely with systems, hardware, software, security, and test engineers in a high-performance, mission-driven teamIdentify and implement process, tooling, and automation improvements to support secure development and certification efficiencyPeriodic travel (~5%) for customer interaction, test events, or off-site integration activitiesRequired QualificationsActive U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required)Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or equivalent experience8+ years of embedded firmware development experience in VHDLExperience with:Low-level embedded development and debuggingARM/MicroBlaze-based processors and SoC platformsFirmware and hardware/software integrationStrong understanding of memory management, concurrency, and deterministic embedded behaviorPreferred / Differentiating Experience10+ years of embedded or firmware development experienceDirect experience with NSA High Assurance certification, RMF, or similar DoD security frameworksFamiliarity with cryptographic system design, key management, and secure boot/trust architecturesExperience with:AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC (e.g., Xilinx ZCU102/104 Evaluation Kit or similar)Experience working in waterfall or agile development methodology-based projectsStrong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to assess technical risk and security impactClear communicator who thrives in collaborative, technically rigorous teams