Principal Software Engineer

MAK Technologies; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401K match

Health insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Career growth

Job summary

MAK Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to set technical direction and architect high‑performance simulation solutions for defense and aerospace applications.

You will lead design and implementation for complex, distributed environments using C++ and real‑time networking. The role involves mentoring teams, engaging with standards bodies such as SISO, and shaping long‑term product strategy for immersive, mission‑critical systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/CE or related field.
• 10+ years in software engineering with specialization in networking and real‑time systems.
• Experience on defense/aerospace projects and distributed simulation environments.
• Strong C++ proficiency and knowledge of simulation networking protocols.

Responsibilities

• Define and own architecture for training simulation and visualization systems.
• Lead development of real-time applications using C++.
• Mentor teams on performance optimization and modular design.
• Represent MAK at standards bodies and contribute to IEEE networking protocol work.
• Provide technical direction and guide teams through complex problems.
• Evaluate AR/VR, simulation frameworks, and AI-driven modeling for strategy.

Skills

C++

Real-time systems

Application level networking

Distributed simulation

HLA/DIS protocols

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science or related field

Tools

HLA (IEEE-1516)

DIS (IEEE-1278)

SISO standards

Job description

Location: Cambridge, MA

Join us as a Principal Software Engineering, where you will set the technical direction and architect high-performance simulation solutions for mission-critical defense and aerospace applications. If you excel at building high-performance solutions and want to make an impact in defense and aerospace innovation, we want to hear from you.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer for our Link Team with an extensive history in application level networking, real-time systems, and high-performance software development. This role will lead the design and implementation of advanced solutions for complex, distributed environments, leveraging their experience in defense, aerospace, and immersive simulation platforms. While MAK uses highly niche protocols like HLA (IEEE-1516) and DIS (IEEE-1278), an ideal candidate will have spent a considerable amount of time maintaining, developing, and designing complex application level networking solutions for real time – high bandwidth networked data in both WAN and LAN environments. You will have a deep understanding of application-level networking, and distributed data design.

Where you will work

MAK prefers candidates located in the Boston MA, or Orlando areas. Remote candidates in the continental United States or Canada will be considered.

What you will do

You will work closely with subject matter experts, military stakeholders, and engineering teams to design, implement, and deliver high-fidelity simulation training systems for defense and aerospace applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect & Design:
  • Define and own the architectural decisions for training simulation and visualization systems.
  • Ensure interoperability across distributed simulation environments.
• Development & Integration:
  • Lead the development of real-time applications using C++.
• Technical Leadership:
  • Mentor engineering teams on best practices for performance optimization and modular design.
  • Represent MAK at standards bodies like SISO through the development of IEEE networking protocols like HLA (IEEE-1516) and DIS (IEEE-1278)
  • Provide technical direction, conduct design/code reviews, and guide teams through complex problem-solving.
• Innovation & Strategy:
  • Evaluate emerging technologies in AR/VR, simulation frameworks, and AI-driven modeling.
  • Contribute to long‑term product strategy for immersive and mission‑critical systems.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience:
  • 10+ years in software engineering, with significant experience in networking and real‑time systems.
  • Proven track record in defense/aerospace projects and distributed simulation environments.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in C++.
  • Knowledge of network protocols for simulation (DIS/HLA) and sensor integration.
• Soft Skills:
  • Proven experience leading engineering teams, setting technical direction, and influencing organizational strategy.
  • Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external partners.

Preferences

Knowledge of MAK’s SFXTX (VR‑Forces file exchange protocol) is preferred but not required.

YOU get more than Just compensation with US

MAK Technologies, Inc. considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. (The wage range listed above is reflective of all geographic work locations where this position may be based and may not reflect the local market salary range.)

Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

• Annual bonus incentive
• 401K with company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Disability
• PTO
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Equal Opportunity

It takes diverse talent to solve real‑world problems. MAK Technologies, Inc. is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We’re proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s through our differences that innovative changes are made.

Reasonable Accommodations

MAK Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Recruitment Team at