Senior Software Engineer

Socket.dev; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Tactical Engineering & Analysis, Inc. in Dahlgren, VA, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support a new AI/ML development team for Navy and interagency partners. You will help design, prototype, and integrate autonomous systems with LLM-based solutions.

The role emphasizes strong software engineering, mentorship, and agile collaboration to deliver scalable, high-quality software for mission-critical applications in a secure environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in STEM related field is required.
• Experience with AI/ML and LLM integrations is preferred.
• Strong software design, coding, and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of complex software sub-systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and help establish architectural standards.
• Develop scalable software using modern languages and frameworks.
• Write clean, well-documented code and perform rigorous code reviews.
• Manage SDLC from concept to deployment with timely delivery.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers to define requirements.
• Stay updated with AI/ML trends to improve performance.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and backlog grooming.

Skills

Programming languages

Software architecture

Cloud platforms

Problem solving

Testing frameworks

Agile / Scrum

Team mentorship

AI technologies

Education

Bachelors Degree in STEM related field

Job description

The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for supporting system design, prototyping, analysis, and assessment of future capabilities within a new AI/ML development team. They will play a supporting role in achieving the organizations goals by support the NSWCDD Intelligent Automation Division (H60) for the US Navy, DoW, and Interagency partners with warfare technologies that represent the intersection of autonomy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned systems. This position will directly impact expansion of the US Navy into the field of Artificial Intelligence and through Large Language Model problem (LLM) solving and machine learning integration.

CORE FUNCTIONS / JOB DUITES

Apply rigorous engineering standards on and has strong Independence to act performing:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of complex software sub-systems.
• Lead technical design discussions, assist in establishing architectural standards, and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable software solutions and systems using modern programming languages and frameworks.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code while performing rigorous code reviews to ensure adherence to quality standards and engineering best practices.
• Debug and fix system level software issues, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of existing software systems, if needed.
• Manage the software development life-cycle (SDLC) from concept to deployment, ensuring timely delivery of projects.
• Work closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define requirements and deliver functional solutions.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies and trends to implement innovative solutions that enhance system performance.
• Participate in Agile methodologies such as sprint planning, daily stand‑ups, retrospectives, and backlog grooming.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Applies expert level knowledge in:

• Multiple programming languages and frameworks
• Software design patterns and architecture principles
• Cloud platforms and database technologies
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to analyze complex systems
• Testing frameworks
• Software development methodologies (e.g., SDLC, Agile, Scrum)
• Managing software projects or teams
• System monitoring tools, advanced debugging techniques, and performance optimization techniques
• AI technologies with a strong background in either Machine Learning, software development with AI, or just high familiarity in use of Large Language Models's to solve complex problems

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in STEM related field Required

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment
• Computer/Equipment lab

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• May be expected to lift up to 25 lbs
• Frequent use of keyboard and typing
• Frequent sitting and standing

WORK SCHEDULE

• 5/40
• The ability to work non‑standard work hours and schedules in support of project requirements.

PAY RANGE

• $165,000.00 to $200,000.00 annually, DOE

U.S. Citizenship is Required

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Candidates must have an active clearance OR the ability to obtain a US Government security clearance and will be subject to a US security background investigation (i.e. favorable background investigation / credit score). Additional eligibility requirements for access to various levels of classified information may also be required. An active security clearance is highly desirable.

Tactical Engineering & Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Minority/Female/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer