Principal Software Developer (System Security)

Nightwing; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Principal Software Developer (System Security) to strengthen our flagship security products protecting critical DoD systems. You will develop OS-level security features, build advanced detection and response mechanisms, and work across Windows, Linux, and VxWorks with mentorship from senior engineers. You should have 8+ years in systems programming, expert C/C++, and strong OS internals knowledge.

Candidate must meet Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software development experience in systems-level programming.
• Expert-level C/C++ skills with memory management and low-level concepts.
• Strong OS-level systems programming experience.
• Debugging complex systems issues with tools like gdb, WinDbg, or Visual Studio Debugger.
• Git version control in a team environment.
• Self-directed learning ability – independently mastering new domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop OS-level security features that operate deep within the operating system.
• Build detection and response mechanisms against advanced threats.
• Implement cryptographic binding of sensitive software to trusted hardware.
• Create system lockdown capabilities to minimize attack surface.
• Integrate with Hardware Root of Trust (HRoT) solutions.
• Protect against sophisticated attacks by well-funded adversaries.
• Support multi-OS platforms (Windows, Linux, VxWorks).
• Learn kernel programming and driver development with mentorship from senior engineers.

Skills

8+ years of experience

C/C++ expertise

OS-level systems programming

Debugging complex systems

Git version control

Self-directed learning

Education

University Degree or equivalent experience

Advanced Degree in related field

Tools

gdb

WinDbg

Visual Studio Debugger

Job description

Principal Software Developer (System Security)

Join Nightwing’s Products team and work at the cutting edge of multi-layered cyber resiliency solutions protecting mission‑critical systems. Our software‑based cyber resiliency solutions have been field‑deployed since 2009, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of data and applications on Department of Defense weapon systems and platforms. Our threat model assumes adversaries have gained escalated privileges and bypassed traditional security controls—we build the last line of defense.

We’re seeking a sharp, seasoned software developer to strengthen our flagship security products, which provide deep OS‑level protections for Windows, Linux, and VxWorks environments. You’ll develop security capabilities that lock down execution environments, protect applications and data at rest and during execution, and implement robust cyber detection and response mechanisms.

This role is ideal for an experienced systems programmer who wants to dive deep into operating system internals and low‑level security engineering.

Security Clearance:

_ Must meet the requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance. _

U.S. Citizenship is required. Qualified applicants may be subject to a security investigation and must meet minimum qualifications for access to classified information.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of professional software development experience in systems‑level programming
• Expert‑level C/C++ skills with a deep understanding of memory management, pointers, and low‑level programming concepts
• Strong OS‑level systems programming experience – you’ve built more than desktop applications; you understand how the OS actually works under the hood
• Debugging complex systems issues – comfortable using tools like gdb, WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, or similar to diagnose crashes, memory corruption, and system‑level problems
• Version control proficiency (Git) in a team environment
• Self‑directed learning ability – proven track record of independently mastering new technical domains

Typically requires:

A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience

What Sets Qualified Candidates Apart:

You don’t need all of these, but strong candidates typically have several:

• Experience working close to the OS: kernel modules, device drivers, system services, OS internals projects, or security tools
• Background in security‑sensitive code: anti‑malware, EDR, security monitoring, or exploit mitigation
• Understanding of operating system concepts: process/thread management, memory management, I/O systems, interrupt handling
• Assembly language experience (x86_64, ARM) – reading and debugging at the instruction level
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Batch) for automation and testing
• Familiarity with security concepts: cryptography, threat modeling, attack surfaces
• Knowledge of boot processes, firmware, or hardware security (TPM, Secure Boot, UEFI)
• Understanding of Linux Driver Model and/or Windows driver models (WDM/WDF/WDK) – even if just conceptual

What Disqualifies Candidates:

To be direct about fit, this role is likely not a good match if your primary experience is:

• Web development, mobile apps, or enterprise application development
• High‑level languages only (Java, C#, JavaScript, Python) without C/C++ depth
• Limited exposure to systems programming or OS‑level concepts
• Primarily cloud services, DevOps, or infrastructure automation
• Less than 8 years of professional software development experience

What You’ll Work On:

• Developing and enhancing OS‑level security features that operate deep within the operating system
• Building detection and response mechanisms to counter advanced persistent threats
• Implementing cryptographic binding of sensitive software to trusted hardware
• Creating system lockdown capabilities that minimize attack surface
• Integrating with Hardware Root of Trust (HRoT) solutions
• Protecting against sophisticated attacks from well‑funded adversaries
• Supporting multi‑OS platforms (Windows, Linux, VxWorks)
• Learning kernel programming and driver development on the job with mentorship from our senior engineers

Our Ideal Candidate:

You’re a strong systems programmer who gets excited about understanding how things work at the lowest levels. You’ve probably compiled your own kernel, reverse‑engineered a binary for fun, or spent late nights in a debugger tracking down a race condition. You’re comfortable reading documentation, source code, and assembly when needed. You don’t have all the answers, but you know how to find them and you’re energized by deep technical challenges. You understand that security is an adversarial discipline and you’re ready to think like both builder and attacker.

Why Join Our Team:

• Work on technology protecting critical DoW weapon systems and platforms
• Learn from senior engineers with over 15 years of experience in mission‑critical system protection
• Grow your expertise in Linux/Windows internals, kernel development, and low‑level security
• Contribute to a multi‑layered cyber resiliency portfolio that spans hardware, firmware, software, and network layers
• See the direct impact of your work on national security
• Access to cutting‑edge tools, training, and technologies
• Recognition for exceptional results

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full‑spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.