Senior Software Engineer

STR; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

STR in Arlington, VA, is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to build software that addresses complex national security challenges. This position involves designing scalable microservices and APIs within a DevSecOps environment, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in Java and Spring, possess strong technical independence, and be comfortable working in a hybrid setup. STR offers a competitive salary ranging from $140,000.00 to $170,000.00.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience (BS) or 1-2+ years (MS) of building maintainable APIs.
• Proven proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem.
• Technical independence to convert high-level requirements into working implementations.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement flexible microservices and high-performance APIs.
• Take technical ownership of features from R&D to user community.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on scalable software.

Skills

Java

Spring ecosystem

Object-oriented design patterns

Microservices architecture

APIs

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GitLab

Python

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

The Mission

Do you want to build software that solves the world's most complex national security problems? At STR, we don’t just write code; we bridge the gap between cutting‑edge research and real‑world mission success. You will join a multidisciplinary powerhouse of software engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and data scientists dedicated to taking innovative ideas from a whiteboard concept to a mature, deployed implementation.

Technical Frontier

As part of the Knowledge Exploitation & Decisions Systems Group, you will work at the intersection of AI and human decision‑making. Our portfolio is diverse and high‑impact, including Command & Control (C2) via intuitive human‑machine interfaces that help operators make the best possible decisions in high‑pressure environments, Trusted AI & Autonomy via simulation platforms to test AI autonomy and evaluating the reliability and responsibility of autonomous systems, Advanced Reasoning via graph‑based reasoning and evolutionary algorithms for resilient workflow optimization, and enhancing language models to assess the feasibility of scientific claims.

What You’ll Do

• Build & Scale: Design and implement flexible microservices and high‑performance APIs within a robust DevSecOps ecosystem.
• Drive Deployment: Take technical ownership of features within a mature mission planning solution, guiding them through the critical transition from R&D into an active user community.
• Collaborate: Work closely with Ph.D. scientists and engineers to translate complex mathematical models and research into production‑grade, scalable software.
• Own Your Growth: Beyond your initial project, your trajectory will be driven by the intersection of your interests and our evolving R&D portfolio.

Who You Are

• Education: BS or MS in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5+ years (BS) or 1‑2+ years (MS) of professional experience building maintainable, well‑documented APIs and software.
• Technical Depth: Proven proficiency in Java and the Spring ecosystem, with a strong grasp of object‑oriented design patterns and a track record of building maintainable, well‑documented software.
• Independence: You are an autonomous contributor who can take a high‑level requirement and turn it into a working technical implementation with minimal supervision.
• Mindset: You are a trailblazer—someone comfortable with ambiguity and loving learning new libraries and languages on the fly.

Our Tech Stack

• Primary: Java 17+, Spring Boot
• Infrastructure: Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Kafka/NATS, GitLab
• Secondary: Python (for AI/Data integration)

Logistics

• Location: Hybrid at one of STR’s offices in Woburn, MA; Arlington, VA; Carlsbad, CA; or Aurora, CO.
• Travel: Periodic travel up to 20%.
• Clearance & Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Why STR?

STR is a growing defense technology company specialized in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security, including cyber, next‑generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, electronic warfare, and AI algorithms and analytics. We are committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we strive to push the envelope of technology, making the world safer.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $140,000.00 to $170,000.00. The salary range is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors such as experience, education, training, key skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STR is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accommodation for Employment Process

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with your contact information.

Compliance with Federal Law

Positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.