Principal Software Engineer - On-site (Germantown, MD)

Leonardo DRS; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 130,801 - 203,068; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) savings plan

Telemedicine

Flexible work schedules

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A defense technology company located in Germantown seeks a Principal Software Engineer to drive technical vision and develop software solutions. This role requires a master’s degree and at least 8 years of experience, with fluency in C/C++. You will be integral in designing systems across product lines while collaborating effectively. The expected salary ranges from $130,801 to $203,068 annually, complemented by comprehensive benefits including health coverage, flexible work schedules, and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in engineering.
• Ability to solve multifaceted engineering challenges.
• Willingness to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, test, and debug software applications.
• Learn about image and signal processing.
• Communicate effectively with team and clients.
• Provide technical assistance and team support.

Skills

Fluency in C/C++

Real-time operating systems experience

Knowledge of MATLAB

Knowledge of Python

Knowledge of Linux

Knowledge of React

Knowledge of Node

Leadership in technical groups

Education

Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field

Job description

Principal Software Engineer - On-site (Germantown, MD)

Join to apply for the Principal Software Engineer - On-site (Germantown, MD) role at Leonardo DRS.

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter‑drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Job ID: 112909

Job Summary

Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Principal Software Engineer where you'll drive technical vision and architect transformative solutions across our entire product ecosystem. We're seeking a distinguished engineer who can seamlessly bridge the gaps between software, hardware, product strategy, and manufacturing while delivering innovative, secure solutions. In this role, you'll serve as a technical visionary and hands‑on architect, collaborating across teams to design and implement mission‑critical systems that scale with our rapid growth, all while embracing our collaborative, ego‑free culture that values results over hierarchy.

Your deep technical expertise, proven ability to solve multifaceted engineering challenges, and talent for aligning diverse teams will be crucial as we partner with major defense contractors and scale our impact in the industry. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company.

Job Responsibilities

• Be involved with the design, development, analysis, testing, and debugging of computer software applications and/or systems.

• Be ready to learn about image and signal processing, real‑time, firmware, database design, operating systems, and more.

• Take ownership of the outcome and the journey there: budget, costs, estimated schedules, leadership.

• Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required.

• Be a team player and provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers, support personnel, and teach others on the team.

• Be able to work with clients, product, hardware, and other teams.

• Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge.

• Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience.

• Fluency in C/C++.

• Experience working with real‑time operating systems.

• Experience or be willing to learn MATLAB, Python, Linux, React, Node, and other languages.

• Ability to lead a technical group independently.

• Open to occasional travel.

U.S. Citizenship required.

The expected pay scale for this position is $130,801/year - $203,068/year. Should the level, location, or scope of the position change during the hiring process, the pay scale may be modified accordingly.

Benefits

Leonardo DRS offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being, and develop our talent through programs and activities to support career growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. We understand there is more to life than work and offer flexible work schedules with a 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Equal Employment Opportunity

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.