Advanced Research Embedded Computing Engineer (Design-Focused)

Summit Technologies Inc. is seeking an Advanced Research Embedded Computing Engineer (Design-Focused) to develop next generation power and energy propulsion systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This role is ideal for Ph.D. level engineers and researchers who thrive in exploratory environments and want to push the boundaries of embedded systems, real-time control, and electromechanical design for unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs) propulsion systems. You will contribute to early-stage research, modeling, algorithm development, and experimental validation helping transform fundamental concepts into next generation prototype systems that redefine undersea propulsion performance, efficiency, and acoustic stealth for national security missions, ocean exploration, and subsea infrastructure. Certain innovations may also be deployed within functional domains of the client’s established commercial power generation, power storage, and power distribution systems.

Working within an interdisciplinary research and development team comprised of engineering, scientific, power generation, power storage, and security experts, you will provide critical thinking and technical leadership in next generation embedded systems engineering. Drawing on experience in robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous vehicles, space systems, missile systems, submarines, robotic warfare, and/or naval technologies, you will contribute to the architecture, design, development, prototyping, and field testing of UUV systems.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Niskayuna, NY.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded software for propulsion and electromechanical systems, optimizing footprint, power consumption, and thermal signature.
• Support real-time control of motors, actuators, and propulsion subsystems.
• Integrate embedded software with sensors, detection technologies, control electronics, and hardware platforms supporting autonomous operations.
• Architect, design, and develop complex firmware solutions implemented in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs).
• Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to enhance encrypted communications and secure system architecture.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to refine integrated system designs.
• Support experimental research involving hydrodynamics, acoustics, power systems, and propulsion modeling.
• Participate in design reviews and transition research concepts toward prototype development.
• Contribute to laboratory experimentation, simulation, and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
• Author technical documentation, research reports, and design analyses for customers and stakeholders.

Experience & Education

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field [A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant industry experience may be substituted].
• Strong foundation in embedded systems and real-time software development.
• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for low-level and real-time applications.
• Experience with control theory, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Three years of experience Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and System on Chip (SoC) design and development experience with Verilog and VHDL.
• Three years of knowledge of Xilinx and/or Altera devices, tools, and ecosystem (e.g., ModelSim, Intel Quartus, Xilinx Vivado).
• Three years of experience with the development of real-time embedded applications and systems on microcontrollers, FPGAs, x86, and/or ARM processors.
• Three years of experience with heterogeneous computer architecture and hardware acceleration techniques.
• Three years of strong embedded programming skills (e.g., C/C++/C#, Java, Python, MATLAB).
• Three years of experience with Linux driver and/or Linux kernel development and Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto).
• Working knowledge of real-time hypervisors (e.g., VxWorks, RTS) and container technologies (e.g., Docker) is desired.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (e.g., QNX, RTLinux) is a plus.
• Understanding of embedded system security requirements and cybersecurity techniques is preferred.
• Experience in subsea technology, acoustics, sonar signal processing, autonomous systems, and/or familiarity with Navy technologies and operations is desirable.
• Proven history of writing successful proposals for U.S. government agencies (e.g., DOE, ARPA-E, CESER, DoD, DARPA) is highly desirable.

Security Clearance

• Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance required. (Interim Secret may be considered.)

Application Instructions

If you are qualified and would like to be considered, please submit the following to:

, Include job number 6910 in the subject line.

Please provide:

• Updated resume including MM/YYYY for each employer.
• Best dates/times for interviews and preferred contact number.
• Availability to start upon formal offer.

Summit Technologies Inc. appreciates your interest. We will contact candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements and may retain your information for future opportunities. We will not submit your resume without your prior knowledge and consent.

Summit Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.