Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Front Door Defense; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

STR's Sensors Division is seeking a Lead Autonomy Software Engineer to drive real-time software for mission-critical sensing platforms. This role focuses on integrating mature hardware with modern C++ code, leveraging LVC testing and cross‑platform development across Windows and Linux.

You will lead small teams, engage with customers to capture requirements, and contribute to algorithm optimization for radar, EW, and EO/IR sensing.

Qualifications

• PhD required with 2+ years experience (MS: 5+, BS: 7+).
• Experience with real-time systems and embedded software.
• Security clearance eligibility (US citizenship) required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate real-time software with hardware platforms.
• Lead small teams and collaborate with SMEs.
• Perform system testing with LVC infrastructure.
• Engage with customers to shape product requirements.

Skills

Modern C++

Multithreading

Test-driven development

CI/CD

Cross-platform development

Version control

Hardware/software integration

Education

PhD

MS

BS

Tools

Git

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Lead autonomy software development for mission‑critical sensing platforms in real‑time environments.

Location: Arlington, VA; Boston, MA; Dayton, OH; Melbourne, FL; Carlsbad, CA.

Compensation: $174,000 - 225,000 USD per year.

About The Role

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space‑based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next‑generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real‑time embedded processor implementation.

What You Will Do:

• System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed.
• System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, leveraging Live‑Virtual‑Constructive (LVC) infrastructure.
• Leadership: lead small, focused teams to implement and test real‑time applications featuring open architecture software principles, implementing real‑time systems in Modern C++ from verified algorithms written in higher‑level languages such as MATLAB.
• Customer Engagement: support potential and current customer discussions to better understand their requirements and shape product development.

Who You Are:

• Self‑motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ development, including multi‑threaded applications.
• Experience with test‑driven development and CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with cross‑platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows.
• Experience with hardware/software integration.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience with PhD, 5 years with MS, or 7 years with BS.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Even Better:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• 5+ years of C++ programming experience with open architecture systems.
• Experience with safety‑critical software architectures.
• Experience with real‑time software development and algorithm optimization.
• Familiarity with network protocols and debugging.
• Familiarity with relevant open standards such as OMS/UCI and A-GRA.
• Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks).

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $174,000 - $225,000.

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors such as but not limited to the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.