Senior Software Engineer

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

STR in Arlington, Virginia is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join the Sensors Division, focusing on national security technology development. The ideal candidate has strong C++ programming skills and 5+ years of experience in relevant fields. Responsibilities include implementing algorithms for real-time systems and engaging with customers to support project objectives. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $139,000 to $180,000 per year, and is open to candidates eligible for security clearance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering.
• Strong object-oriented programming skills in modern C++.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Implement and test real-time applications featuring open architecture software principles.
• Develop code to integrate mature hardware systems.
• Support customers throughout the program lifecycle.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Test-driven development

CI/CD practices

Cross-platform development

Education

BS in Computer Science or related field

MS in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Windows

Linux

iOS

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Compensation: $139,000 - 180,000 USD per year

About The Role

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space‑based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real‑time embedded processor implementation.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter‑sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the survivability of U.S. air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems and operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role

The SAAM group is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join high‑performing teams transforming advanced concepts and algorithms into software implementations for prototypes and operational systems. You will work with scientists and engineers to design and implement algorithmic solutions to challenging national security problems. You will be responsible for enhancing the software architecture required to implement advanced algorithms in real‑time hardware and contribute to the development of engineer‑facing tools and processes to facilitate long‑term software development.

What You Will Do

• Collaboration: work as part of a small, focused team to implement and test real‑time applications featuring open architecture software principles
• System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed
• System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, utilizing Live‑Virtual‑Constructive (LVC) infrastructure
• Customer Engagement: support and brief customers throughout the program lifecycle

Who You Are

• Self‑motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance
• Strong object‑oriented programming skills in modern C++
• Proficient in test‑driven development and CI/CD practices
• Experience with cross‑platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python
• BS with 5+ years experience or MS with 3+ years experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government

Even Better

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• 2+ years of experience with open architecture systems such as OMS/UCI and A‑GRA
• Experience with radar or EO/IR systems
• Familiarity with real‑time algorithm optimization, especially for radar or remote sensing applications
• Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks)

Pay Information

Full‑time salary range: $139,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

The salary range listed is based on external market data and offers are based on factors such as candidate experience, education, key skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is an equal‑opportunity employer and is fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email [e-mail] and provide your contact information.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.