Job Description
Job Description
Embedded Software DesignerAirborne Optical SystemsBurlington ON – Hybrid
- Please note that to be considered for any position at PV Labs, all candidates must be eligible to meet the requirements of the Canadian Controlled-Goods Program of the Defense Production Act and be able to hold and maintain a Canadian Security Clearance. If you are not clear about your eligibility, please consult the Government of Canada website HERE
About the Role
This is not a narrow, stay-in-your-lane software role.
As an Embedded Software Designer at PVLabs, you design and build real-time software systems that sit at the core of our airborne optical platforms. Your work spans the full lifecycle—architecture, design, implementation, verification, debug, deployment, and long-term evolution—of software that directly controls flight-proven, stabilized gimbals and ISR payloads.
We treat software as a product, not a by-product. Our architecture is modular, component-driven, and intentionally designed for change. Youll work on distributed, multi-processor real-time systems where clarity, testability, and long-term maintainability matter as much as raw performance. Monolithic codebases and just make it work thinking dont survive here.
You'll collaborate closely with systems, electrical, mechanical, and optical engineers—not as support, but as a peer—bringing software judgment to the table as we solve hard problems in stabilization, sensing, and control within demanding operational environments.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Reporting to the VP, New Product Introduction, and working closely with Program and Project leads, you will :
Architect, design, implement, and verify complex real-time embedded software in C++ (with some legacy C) across multi-processor systemsActively participate in—and often lead—design and code reviews with a critical, constructive mindsetWork with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure requirements are understood, documented, and traceableDevelop software aligned with military-class development and verification standardsMaintain source control, build artifacts, and package integrity to meet both internal and customer expectationsContribute to—and improve—our engineering standards, knowledge bases, and development workflowsTechnical Skills You'll Need
Strong C++ and C experience in real-time embedded systemsMulti-process and multi-threaded application developmentEmbedded development on microcontroller and FPGA SoC platformsProficiency with debugging tools (e.g., GDB)Comfort in Linux-based, command-line development environmentsExperience with common embedded communication protocols (UART, I²C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet)Scripting with Bash and Python; fluent with GitAbility to read and understand electrical schematicsHigh-Value (Nice-to-Have) Skills
Board Support Package (BSP) porting to new hardwareLinux driver developmentDesigning for aircraft safety and certification constraintsGPU architecture and CUDA programmingMATLAB experienceAbout You as an Embedded Software Engineer
At PVLabs, how we work matters as much as what we build.
Were looking for engineers who combine deep technical skill with professional maturity and strong judgment. Youre curious, detail-driven, and motivated by solving hard problems properly—not just quickly.
About You :
Bring creativity, curiosity, and a disciplined approach to problem-solvingStep into ownership naturally and arent afraid to lead when neededCommunicate technical ideas clearly—and know when to ask for helpTake a continuous-improvement mindset to code, process, and toolingParticipate in requirements development and provide realistic cost and schedule estimatesDrive design and code reviews rather than observing from the sidelinesGive and receive feedback constructively—we succeed as a teamPrefer small, highly communicative teams over rigid silosManage your time and priorities with professionalism and autonomyQualifications
Eligibility to meet Controlled Goods Program requirements and hold a Canadian Security ClearanceDegree or technical diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experienceWhat's in It for You
You'll work on real, fielded technology : stabilized electro-mechanical platforms, high-speed motion control, camera and lens systems, real-time video pipelines, distributed I / O, and advanced laser-enabled payloads. These systems operate in demanding ISR environments where precision and reliability matter.
You'll join a team of engineers with serious technical depth and the autonomy to do meaningful work. We value Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose, and we strive for Resiliency, Innovation, and Productivity in everything we build.
We move fast. We build complicated, expensive things that fly. We don't do ego—we do execution. If you want hands-on impact, technical ownership, and work that genuinely matters, PVLabs is where you'll find it.
Disclaimer PVLabs Ltd DOES NOT use Artificial Intelligence to scan resumes from applicants. We prefer to use humans to do this. We would similarly appreciate if humans applied to our jobs. Thanks in advance.