Lead Software Engineer – Herndon

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

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Herndon, VA, seeks a Lead Software Engineer for Embedded Software to drive Rust adoption across multiple product lines. The role requires hands-on C/C++ development, embedded systems expertise, and a DoD Secret clearance.

On-site work with a 9/80 schedule and a significant sign-on bonus awaits the right candidate. The position offers a lucrative compensation range, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to mentor engineers while advancing secure, high-assurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 9+ years, or graduate degree with 7+ years, or 13 years equivalent experience.
• Experience leading software development teams.
• Hands-on C/C++ development and object-oriented design.
• Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance required.
• Rust experience preferred.
• Embedded software systems experience preferred.
• OO design and UML modeling with IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo.
• Device drivers and BSPs for real-time embedded systems.
• Knowledge of IA and/or cryptography.
• NSA Type 1 or DO-178 familiarity preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• We support embedded software development with focus on Rust.
• We lead adoption and rollout of Rust across product lines.
• We apply CS/engineering math to software for target hardware.
• We collaborate with cross-functional teams to define interfaces and system design.
• We guide SDLC from requirements through testing.
• We investigate root causes and implement fixes.
• We develop test plans and technical docs.
• We use modeling tools to establish operating data and prototypes.
• We participate in peer reviews and resolve defects.
• We write code in Rust, C/C++, Python for RTOS like VxWorks, Linux, Integrity.
• We mentor junior engineers.
• We may travel as part of the role.

Skills

C/C++ development

Object-oriented design

Rust

Embedded software

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer/ electrical engineering or computer science with 9+ years experience

Graduate degree with 7+ years experience

13 years equivalent experience in place of a degree

Tools

IBM Rhapsody

MagicDraw/Cameo

RTOS toolchains

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• 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.