Lead Software Engineer

Systemstechnologyresearch; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Systemstechnologyresearch in San Diego is seeking a skilled software engineer with over 7 years of experience. The ideal candidate should possess strong programming skills in Python, C, and C++, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. Applicants must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance to work on innovative technical challenges.

This full-time position offers a salary range of $157,000 to $224,000, with responsibilities including mentoring junior engineers and leading technical discussions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in relevant software engineering roles.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
• Proficient in Python, C, C++, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a research team to develop innovative solutions.
• Take ownership of significant features with minimal supervision.
• Lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Software Testing

Networking Principles

Open-source Software

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GNU/Linux Toolchains

MATLAB

Job description

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.

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.

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.