Lead Software Engineer

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

STR is looking for a Lead Software Engineer in San Diego, California, to design and implement production-grade software for real-time data communications. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience, proficiency in Python, C, C++, and a strong understanding of networking principles.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $157,000 to $224,000, based on experience and qualifications. You will be leading a talented team dedicated to developing solutions that impact national security.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in relevant software engineering roles.
• Proficient in Python, C, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Deep understanding of networking principles, including the OSI stack.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a research team to develop innovative solutions.
• Lead technical discussions and guide architectural decisions.
• Deliver high-quality software in a rapid-paced environment.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Software Testing

Networking Principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GNU/Linux toolchains

Job description

Lead Software Engineer

Lead the design and implementation of production-grade software for real-time data communications

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Compensation: $157,000 - 224,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Lead Software Engineer

STR is hiring experienced Lead Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary cyber/networking team committed to developing cutting‑edge technologies that have an immediate and significant impact on our national security. Our team innovates communications technology across all networking layers, from the physical to the application layer. We value diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, which are vital to delivering innovative solutions to our customers. If you have a strong track record of delivering impactful software solutions and meet the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply!

Job Overview:

A successful candidate will possess several years of practical experience in software engineering, integration and testing, and networking concepts and protocols. They will demonstrate a proven ability to take ownership of technical challenges and deliver results in collaborative, fast‑paced environments. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of computer science concepts, sound software engineering principles, and hands‑on experience working on Linux systems. Experienced engineers at STR are expected to work independently while contributing meaningfully to team efforts and mentoring less experienced team members.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high‑profile, fast paced yet structured development environment alongside a diverse and talented team. In this role, you will take a leadership role in designing, implementing, and testing software that enhances advanced real‑time data communications and networking solutions using open systems principles. We aim for the highest standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse in our tools and techniques. Therefore, candidates should have a demonstrated ability to produce well‑designed, scalable solutions and to establish and follow reliable testing methodologies.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate closely with a small, dedicated research team to develop innovative solutions to complex problems
• Take ownership of significant features or components of projects and deliver them with minimal supervision
• Lead technical discussions, guide architectural decisions, and mentor junior engineers
• Develop and test novel software solutions spanning research, development, and deployed production systems
• Analyze and improve existing designs and processes to optimize performance
• Deliver high-quality software in a rapid‑paced, research‑focused team environment
• Develop operational prototypes for experimentation and performance analysis
• Create customer‑facing operational systems, ensuring they meet high reliability and usability standards

Who You Are:

• This position requires the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government
• 7+ years of experience in relevant software engineering roles
• Proficient in Python, C, C++, or similar interpreted or low‑level programming languages
• Experienced with designing and implementing open architectures and rapid prototyping methodologies
• Strong working knowledge of software testing, evaluation best practices, and industry‑standard development lifecycles
• Significant hands‑on experience developing software with GNU/Linux toolchains using open-source software
• Deep understanding of networking principles, including the 5‑layer OSI networking stack
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Bachelor's (or higher) degree in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with at least 7 years of relevant experience or equivalent expertise gained through prior roles

Nice to Have:

• Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
• Advanced experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or other high‑level programming languages
• Proven ability to build, deploy, and maintain production‑ready software systems
• Experience writing software in a multi‑party, large‑scale codebase
• Demonstrated success managing technical challenges in experimental/laboratory environments, including performing quantitative analysis
• Familiarity with multi‑threaded or multi‑core real‑time operating concepts
• Knowledge of high‑level software architecture design and scalability principles
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including mentoring junior staff and contributing to team efficiency

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $157,000 - $224,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Final 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.