Principal Software Engineer

globalhr; Concord, Tewksbury (MA, MA); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Onsite work environment (SCIF)

Job summary

RTX in Massachusetts is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high‑performance C/C++ applications for complex defense systems. You will collaborate with software architects, product leads, and cross‑functional teams in a SCIF environment on the Patriot software team in Tewksbury/Concord area.

The role requires an 8+ year track record, strong embedded/RTOS experience, Unix/Linux proficiency, and a DoD clearance (Secret).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 8+ years of related experience.
• Experience with C/C++, embedded/RTOS, and real‑time systems.
• Unix/Linux operating system experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain C/C++ applications for complex defense systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define features and ensure scalable integration.
• Troubleshoot, optimize performance, and document software architectures.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold coding standards.
• Stay current with C/C++ advancements relevant to defense applications.
• Light travel and off‑hours testing may be required; onsite presence is required.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Java or OO language

Multithreading

Memory management

Performance optimization

Software design principles

High-concurrency systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Git

ClearCase

Shell scripting (tcsh, csh, bash)

RTOS (VxWorks, Integrity)

Unix/Linux

Job description

Location: US-MA-TEWKSBURY-TB3 ~ 50 Apple Hill Dr ~ CONCORD BLDG, Tewksbury Tb3 300 Concord

Position Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required.

We are seeking a skilled and detail‑oriented Principal Software Development Engineer with a focus on developing complex systems in C/C++ as part of our Patriot Software Team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating high‑performance applications and will be involved in all stages of the software development lifecycle. Patriot is the world’s pre‑eminent air defense system, and we are currently developing software in support of new system capabilities. In this role, you will work closely with software developers, system architects, and product leads to ensure that the solutions we deliver meet our customers’ requirements. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the success of our products around the world.

The position works in a SCIF environment with an optional 9/80 schedule to accommodate work/life balance practices.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications using C and C++ for complex systems and applications.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define, design, and implement new features, ensuring system integration and scalability.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize existing code for performance and efficiency in complex environments.
• Write and maintain comprehensive documentation for software applications, including system architecture and design specifications.
• Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in C/C++ technologies, especially in relation to complex systems.
• Light travel and off‑hours testing (2nd or 3rd shift) may occasionally be required.
• This position requires exclusive onsite presence.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a bachelor’s in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Experience in developing complex systems and applications using C/C++, Java or other object‑oriented programming language.
• Experience in embedded systems, real‑time systems, or large‑scale applications.
• Experience in a Unix/Linux operating system.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Experience with multithreading, memory management, or performance optimization in complex environments.
• Experience with data structures, algorithms, and software design principles, particularly in high‑concurrency and distributed systems.
• Experience with network communication protocols, shell scripting (tcsh, csh, bash), software development tools like Git/Clearcase, software debuggers, and using embedded RTOSs (e.g., VxWorks, Integrity).
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Experience with software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.).

What We Offer

Relocation eligible – relocation assistance available. Salary range: $107,500 – $204,500 USD. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Veterans’ Readjustment Act.