Lead Software Engineer - Herndon

L3Harris Technologies; Herndon (PA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

On-site 9/80 schedule

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Herndon, VA is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for Embedded Software. You will lead embedded Rust/C/C++ development for real-time systems and mentor junior engineers.

This on-site role supports DoD-grade software, requires clearance, and offers a generous sign-on bonus and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related discipline with 9+ years of experience; alternative: 13 years of equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience leading software development teams.
• Hands‑on C/C++ development and OO design.
• Active US DoD Secret clearance required.
• Experience building Rust software preferred.
• Experience developing embedded software systems preferred.
• OO design and modeling experience (UML tools like IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo) preferred.
• Experience creating device drivers and BSPs for real‑time embedded systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Information Assurance/cryptography preferred.
• NSA Type 1 certification or DO-178 familiarity preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support embedded software development with focus on Rust.
• Lead adoption and rollout of Rust across multiple product lines.
• Apply CS, engineering, and math to software development for target hardware.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define hardware/software interfaces and system design.
• Guide SDLC activities including requirements, design, implementation, integration, and testing.
• Investigate root causes and implement fixes independently or with teams.
• Develop test plans and technical documentation.
• Use modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data and prototypes.
• Mentor and review junior engineers' work.
• Travel may be required.

Skills

Rust development

C/C++ development

Object-oriented design

Leadership experience

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Computer Science

Tools

IBM Rhapsody

MagicDraw/Cameo

VxWorks

Linux

Integrity

Job description

Requirements

• We require a bachelors degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, along with at least 9 years of relevant experience; a graduate degree with 7 years of relevant experience; or 13 years of equivalent experience in place of a degree.
• We are looking for experience leading software development teams.
• We need hands‑on experience with C/C++ development and object‑oriented design.
• An active U.S. Department of Defense Secret clearance is required.
• Preferred strengths include experience building Rust software.
• Preferred strengths include experience developing embedded software systems.
• Preferred strengths include object‑oriented design and implementation experience, including exposure to software modeling and UML tools such as IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo.
• Preferred strengths include experience creating device drivers and Board Support Packages for real‑time embedded systems.
• Preferred strengths include knowledge of Information Assurance and/or cryptography.
• Preferred strengths include familiarity with NSA Type 1 certification or other software certification standards such as DO-178.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• We support engineering team members in embedded software development, with a focus on Rust.
• We lead the adoption and rollout of Rust, including related techniques, design patterns, idioms, and tooling across multiple product lines.
• We apply computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to software development for target hardware.
• We collaborate with cross‑functional engineering partners to define hardware/software interfaces, operational performance needs, and overall system design.
• We guide software development through all phases of the SDLC, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, hardware-software integration, and formal testing.
• We investigate the root causes of complex problems and implement fixes independently or with multidisciplinary teams.
• We develop test plans, procedures, and other technical documentation.
• We use modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data, run experiments, build prototypes, and assess outcomes.
• We take part in peer reviews and identify, track, and resolve defects.
• We write code primarily in Rust, C/C++, and Python for embedded real‑time operating systems such as VxWorks, Linux, and Integrity.
• We mentor and review the work of more junior engineers.
• We may travel as part of the role.

Company

We are L3Harris Technologies, an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator delivering end‑to‑end solutions across the space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for mission‑critical needs. Our SMS Segment is hiring a Lead Software Engineer for Embedded Software in Herndon, VA, working on‑site with a 9/80 schedule that gives every other Friday off. We offer a minimum $10,000 sign‑on bonus for candidates with Rust experience, with higher bonuses possible for additional credentials. Our compensation range for certain locations is $135,000 to $230,000, and we provide a benefits package that includes health and disability insurance, a 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company‑paid holidays. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintain a drug‑free workplace, and support security clearance eligibility requirements where applicable.