Lead Test Architect / Principal Software Engineer – Unit Test Development

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Competitive medical/vision/dental保险

Paid leave and bonuses

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL seeks a Lead Test Architect / Principal Software Engineer to drive a unit test modernization for a missile defense system. You will design unified testing frameworks, define standard structures, and establish robust mocking for CORBA/IPC middleware.

The role requires US citizenship with an active DoD SECRET clearance, deep C++ and Ada expertise, and the ability to push for 80% code coverage across modules in a real-time defense environment.

Qualifications

• Candidate must hold US citizenship and active DoD SECRET clearance.
• Extensive background in systems/software architecture for real-time defense apps.
• Fluency with C++ and Ada; GNAT and GCC interoperability required.
• Experience designing test harnesses, mocks, and stubs for distributed architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and enforce a unified unit test architecture compatible with GCC/G++ and gcovr.
• Define tests/, naming conventions, and harness execution rules across libraries and executables.
• Architect mocking and stubbing strategies to isolate IPC and CORBA calls.
• Ensure modules meet an 80% code coverage threshold.

Skills

C++

Ada

Real-time defense

Architectural design

Test harnesses

Multi-language builds

DoD standards

Tools

GNAT

GCC

CMake

gcovr

CORBA/IPC middleware

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is seeking a Lead Test Architect / Principal Software Engineer to lead the architectural strategy for a unit test modernization initiative supporting a mission-critical Missile Defense system. In this role, you will design, standardize, and oversee the unified unit testing frameworks, establish common mocking and stubbing approaches for complex middleware interfaces, and set coding standards necessary to satisfy rigorous DoD code coverage and verification mandates.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and enforce the unified unit test architecture compatible with gcc/g++, GNAT, CMake, and gcovr.
• Define standard directory structures (tests/ hierarchy), naming conventions, and test harness execution rules across all libraries and executables.
• Architect comprehensive mocking and stubbing strategies to isolate complex inter-process communication (IPC) and CORBA middleware calls.
• Guide technical strategy to ensure all targeted modules consistently satisfy the 80% code coverage threshold.

Qualifications And Desired Skills

• U.S. Citizenship required; must possess and maintain an active DoD SECRET Clearance
• Extensive background in systems/software architecture for complex, real-time defense applications.
• Deep technical fluency in both C++ and Ada environments, including toolchain interoperability (GNAT, GCC) and multi-language builds with CMake.
• Proven expertise designing test harnesses, mock objects, and stubs for distributed architectures relying on CORBA/IPC middleware.
• Working knowledge of coverage analysis tools like gcovr and coverage-driven refactoring.

Location

This role is based in the Huntsville, AL area, and is 100% onsite.

Benefits

CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories