Principal Software Developer (System Security) with Security Clearance

Nightwing; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing in Huntsville, AL seeks a senior systems programmer to develop OS-level security features and threat detection across Windows and Linux. You’ll work deep inside the OS, solving complex security challenges and contributing to kernel-level projects. Ideal candidates have 8+ years in systems programming, expert C/C++, solid memory-management skills, OS internals knowledge, and debugging with gdb/WinDbg/Visual Studio.

Git proficiency and self-learning ability are essential. U.S.

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 understand how the OS actually works under the hood.
• Debugging complex systems issues using tools like gdb, WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, or similar.
• Version control proficiency (Git) in a team environment.
• Self-directed learning ability - proven track record of independently mastering new technical domains.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

C/C++ mastery

OS-level programming

Debugger proficiency

Git version control

Self-learning

Memory management

Low-level concepts

Education

University degree or equivalent

Advanced degree

Tools

Python

Batch

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

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:

• 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:

• 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.