GDI
Infotech, Inc.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Embedded
Firmware Engineer – GNSS / Inertial Navigation Systems
Defense
/ PNT R&D | Client-Confidential Engagement | U.S.
Persons Only
Client Sector
Defense contractor — Position,
Navigation & Timing (PNT) technology
Engagement Type
Contract / Contract-to-Hire
(via GDI Infotech)
Work Eligibility
U.S. Citizen required — NOFORN
program restrictions apply
Location
Onsite/hybrid with client;
specifics confirmed at engagement
Period of Performance
Initial deliverables due
within 180 calendar days of requirements release, plus up to 90 days of
post-delivery support
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
GDI Infotech is supporting a defense technology client that
develops mission-specific navigation and timing solutions for government
customers. The client's PNT (Position, Navigation and Timing) Directorate is
seeking embedded firmware engineers to support two related Research &
Development efforts: a multi-receiver GPS/inertial navigation card (“M-REGI”)
and a secure, non-“Over-The-Air” timing and ephemeris delivery system (“Secure
Start”).
Candidates with strong embedded C/C++ and Linux/RTOS experience,
ideally with GNSS or inertial navigation exposure, are strongly encouraged to
apply.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
• M-REGI
(Navigation Card): Developing embedded C/C++ firmware for a
custom circuit card built around a Microchip SAM9X60 ARM processor, integrating
dual GPS satellite receivers and a tactical-grade Inertial Measurement Unit
(IMU).
• Implementing Multi-Hypothesis Tracking (MHT)
logic to arbitrate between two satellite-based navigation solutions using
covariance, satellite tracking, and spoofing-detection metadata.
• Secure
Start (Timing/Ephemeris POC): Building a
proof-of-concept, laptop-based system (Linux/Ubuntu) that generates and
delivers precise satellite timing and ephemeris data to a navigation receiver
without relying on standard over-the-air signals — reducing vulnerability to
spoofing.
• Working from orbital-parameter curve-fit
algorithms (SDP4-based), Look-Up Table generation for GPS/Galileo
constellations, and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization.
• Customizing Linux RTOS components (U-Boot,
buildroot, kernel) for real-time embedded operation using the Yocto project.
• Building a lightweight CI/CD pipeline
appropriate for an R&D environment.
• Documenting code structure, data flow, and
user interface/configuration parameters.
• Providing up to 90 days of post-delivery
engineering support, including troubleshooting, minor code changes, and
knowledge transfer/training.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong hands-on experience developing embedded
firmware in C/C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux, including
kernel/buildroot customization and real-time operating system concepts (Yocto
project experience a plus).
• Familiarity with serial, USB, and TCP/IP
communication interfaces on embedded platforms.
• Ability to work from block diagrams, written
specifications, and MATLAB reference scripts to implement equivalent
functionality in firmware.
• Comfort working in a small, fast-moving
R&D environment with evolving requirements.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to comply
with NOFORN handling requirements (no dissemination to foreign nationals,
entities, or governments).
PREFERRED / NICE-TO-HAVE
• Background in GNSS/GPS receiver systems,
inertial navigation, or Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) implementations.
• Experience with satellite orbital mechanics or
TLE (Two-Line Element) data / SGP4-SDP4 propagation models.
• Familiarity with Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
or other precision timing/synchronization systems.
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines for
embedded or R&D software workflows.
• Working knowledge of IEEE 730 (Software
Quality Assurance Plans) or similar SQA frameworks.
• Prior experience on defense, aerospace, or
other ITAR/NOFORN-controlled programs.
ABOUT GDI INFOTECH
GDI Infotech, Inc. is an IT staffing and recruiting firm
specializing in the MSP/MSSP and technology services channel, offering direct
hire, contract-to-hire, contract staffing, and onsite project deployment. GDI
partners with clients to deliver qualified, vetted technical talent quickly and
reliably.
Skills Required
- Strong hands-on experience developing embedded firmware in C/C++
- Experience with embedded Linux, including kernel and Buildroot customization
- Understanding of real-time operating system concepts
- Familiarity with serial, USB, and TCP/IP communication interfaces on embedded platforms
- Ability to implement firmware functionality from block diagrams, written specifications, and MATLAB reference scripts
- Ability to work in a small, fast-moving R&D environment with evolving requirements
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to comply with NOFORN handling requirements
- Experience with the Yocto project
- Background in GNSS/GPS receiver systems, inertial navigation, or EKF implementations
- Experience with satellite orbital mechanics or TLE/SGP4-SDP4 propagation models
- Familiarity with Precision Time Protocol or other precision timing systems
- Experience building CI/CD pipelines for embedded or R&D software workflows
- Working knowledge of IEEE 730 or similar SQA frameworks
- Prior experience on defense, aerospace, or ITAR/NOFORN-controlled programs
What We Do
GDI Infotech provides IT talent staffing and digital transformation solutions for managed service providers, enterprise technology organizations, universities, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and government entities. Its services include strategic staffing, technology consulting, data solutions, digital transformation, AI enablement, cybersecurity, and nationwide field support. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, GDI supplies qualified technical professionals and helps clients modernize technology operations.
