Senior Lead Software Engineer

Judge Consulting Group; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Consulting Group seeks a Lead Software & Autonomy Engineer to spearhead embedded edge-compute, GNC, and communications for Anthem multi-domain cruise missile platform. Based in Grand Prairie, TX, this role combines back-end embedded C++/Python with field deployment and live-fire operational support.

You will optimize the NVIDIA Jetson edge platform, Pixhawk/ArduPilot stacks, MAVLink data interfaces, and coordinate with senior defense stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Embedded engineering experience in C++, Python within real-time Linux defense R&D.
• 5+ years of production-level embedded software experience in high-assurance environments.
• Experience deploying NN/vision algorithms on embedded hardware (Jetson).
• Familiarity with MAVLink interfaces, RF transceivers, and SATCOM hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of real-time CV/edge compute pipelines on embedded hardware.
• Migrate and optimize core flight guidance stack onto NVIDIA Jetson platform.
• Flight-certify core aeromechanical stability and sensor fusion within Pixhawk/ArduPilot stacks.
• Develop C2 interfaces over MAVLink and ensure integration with SATCOM links.
• Coordinate field deployments to remote test ranges and support HWIL validation.
• Brief senior defense stakeholders with clear, technically grounded insights.

Skills

C++

Python

C

Embedded Systems

Real-time Linux

MAVLink

Jetson edge

Object tracking

GNC

HWIL testing

Education

B.S. in Computer Science

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

NVIDIA Jetson

TensorRT

GStreamer

ONNX

Pixhawk

ArduPilot

Job description

Seeking an elite, high-energy Lead Software & Autonomy Engineer to spearhead the embedded edge-compute, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), and communications architecture for the Anthem multi-domain cruise missile platform. Operating directly out of our Grand Prairie, Texas advanced manufacturing footprint, this individual will own the software execution layer required to support Army and Navy Contracts and upcoming other variants.

This role requires an agile engineering mindset, blending back-end embedded C++/Python development with rigorous physical range deployment. The ideal candidate will seamlessly shift from optimizing computer vision neural networks to augmenting live-fire field test operations and delivering decisive technical briefings to senior Pentagon officials, Generals, and Admirals.

Embedded Software & Edge-AI Compute (40%)

• Design, implement, and maintain real-time, low-latency computer vision (CV) perception and target tracking pipelines on embedded hardware.
• Lead the hardware migration and optimization of the core flight guidance stack onto the NVIDIA Jetson edge platform utilizing TensorRT, GStreamer, and ONNX.
• Program, modify, and flight-certify core aeromechanical stability loops, sensor-fusion nodes, and autonomous waypoint navigation scripts within the Pixhawk hardware architecture and ArduPilot flight stack.
• Engineer resilient command-and-control (C2) data interfaces over MAVLink protocol arrays, integrating Microhard RF transceivers and transitioning the platform onto high-priority US SATCOM data links.

2. Field Test Team Augmentation & Tactical Deployment (30%)

• Deploy physically to remote, austere, and littoral military test ranges (up to 30% travel) to act as a core technical extension of the Range Execution Pod.
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) laboratory validation and perform real-time software/telemetry troubleshooting under dynamic, high-pressure live-fire conditions.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Test (Halie Cameron) to integrate automated software fail-safes, flight boundary geofencing, and range safety protocols.
• Support the physical configuration of tactical assets, including autonomous ground-launch containers, remote unmanned barge launch loops, and Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) electrical interfaces.

3. Military Stakeholder & Customer Briefings (20%)

• Serve as the principal technical face of Covenant’s software and autonomy suite for external defense customers.
• Translate highly complex modeling and simulation (M&S) metrics, swarm logic behaviors, and trajectory data into clear, high-impact tactical insights.
• Deliver professional, technical briefings directly to US Senators, Congressional staff, Generals, Admirals, and Program Managers (PMA/NAVSEA/DEVCOM) to secure ongoing program backing and validation.
• Leverage a "Senior Lead / Junior Hard Charger" framework to mentor, code-review, and accelerate the development of incoming junior electrical and software assets (Carrson Fabbro/Ethan McDermott).
• Drive daily/weekly engineering synchronization loops with the international technical node (Israel) to ensure cross-over skills validation and software subsystem alignment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Clearance: Active Secret clearance with verified Top Secret / SCI eligibility required. Active Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred.
• Education: B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a highly technical equivalent.
• Embedded Engineering: 5+ years of production-level experience developing in C++, C, and Python within a real-time Linux (Ubuntu/ARM64) defense R&D framework.
• Edge Deployment: Demonstrated experience deploying deep neural networks or computer vision object tracking loops directly onto the NVIDIA Jetson embedded module family.
• Comms Integration: Practical knowledge integrating Microhard RF transceivers, tactical mesh networking layers, or satellite communications (SATCOM) hardware.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct engineering experience in a US Navy or US Army laboratory environment (e.g., NSWC, DEVCOM).
• Prior development experience with the Team Awareness Kit (TAK / COTAF) framework for battlefield command and control.
• Experience modeling missile or uncrewed vehicle signatures (Radar Cross-Section / RCS, FLIR thermal blending).
• Flight Stack Pedigree: Proven hands-on familiarity with the Pixhawk autopilot footprint, ArduPilot/PX4 source code modification, and MAVLink messaging structures.
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification or military UAS operator rating.