Senior Software Engineer

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

STR is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Melbourne, Florida to design and implement secure, high-performance real-time networking software for national security. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of software engineering experience and proficiency in Python, C, or C++. You will lead technical initiatives and work with a multidisciplinary team to innovate solutions.

This full-time role offers a competitive salary ranging from $134,000 to $184,000 based on experience and qualifications, with responsibilities including mentoring junior engineers and improving existing designs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in relevant software engineering roles.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience with rapid prototyping methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with a dedicated research team.
• Take ownership of significant features or components of projects.
• Lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.
• Deliver high-quality software in a rapid-paced environment.

Skills

Python

C

C++

Software Testing

Networking Principles

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GNU/Linux

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Location: Melbourne, Florida, United States

Compensation: $134,000 - 184,000 USD / year

Design and implement secure, high‑performance real‑time networking software for national security

About The Role

STR is hiring experienced Senior Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary cyber/networking team committed to developing cutting‑edge technologies that have an immediate and significant impact on national security. Our team innovates communications technology across all networking layers, from the physical to the application layer. We value diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, which are vital to delivering innovative solutions to our customers. If you have a strong track record of delivering impactful software solutions and meet the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply!

A successful candidate will possess several years of practical experience in software engineering, integration and testing, and networking concepts and protocols. They will demonstrate a proven ability to take ownership of technical challenges and deliver results in collaborative, fast‑paced environments. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of computer science concepts, sound software engineering principles, and hands‑on experience working on Linux systems. Experienced engineers at STR are expected to work independently while contributing meaningfully to team efforts and mentoring less experienced team members.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high‑profile, fast‑paced yet structured development environment alongside a diverse and talented team. In this role, you will take a leadership role in designing, implementing, and testing software that enhances advanced real‑time data communications and networking solutions using open systems principles. We aim for the highest standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse in our tools and techniques. Therefore, candidates should have a demonstrated ability to produce well‑designed, scalable solutions and to establish and follow reliable testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with a small, dedicated research team to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Take ownership of significant features or components of projects and deliver them with minimal supervision.
• Lead technical discussions, guide architectural decisions, and mentor junior engineers.
• Develop and test novel software solutions spanning research, development, and deployed production systems.
• Analyze and improve existing designs and processes to optimize performance.
• Deliver high‑quality software in a rapid‑paced, research‑focused team environment.
• Develop operational prototypes for experimentation and performance analysis.
• Create customer‑facing operational systems, ensuring they meet high reliability and usability standards.

Qualifications

• This position requires the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government.
• 5+ years of experience in relevant software engineering roles.
• Proficient in Python, C, C++, or similar interpreted or low‑level programming languages.
• Experienced with designing and implementing open architectures and rapid prototyping methodologies.
• Strong working knowledge of software testing, evaluation best practices, and industry‑standard development lifecycles.
• Significant hands‑on experience developing software with GNU/Linux toolchains using open‑source software.
• Deep understanding of networking principles, including the 5‑layer OSI networking stack.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Bachelor's (or higher) degree in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent expertise gained through prior roles.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $134,000 - $184,000. The salary range listed is based on external market data. Final offers are based on factors such as but not limited to the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are 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, contact us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

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.