Lead Software Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join their team in San Diego, CA. This role involves innovating software solutions that enhance national security. Candidates must have 7+ years of experience, proficiency in programming languages like Python and C++, and a bachelor's degree in a related field. The position requires the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. Competitive salary between $157,000 - $224,000 based on experience and skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in software engineering roles.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Significant hands-on experience with open-source software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a dedicated research team to develop solutions.
• Lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.
• Analyze and improve existing designs for performance.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Software engineering

Networking principles

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GNU/Linux toolchains

MATLAB

Job description

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.

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 a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis 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 go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STRis 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.

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