Senior Software Engineer

Ara; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop software that connects physics-based modeling and simulation tools in a Digital Engineering environment. You will design data models, integration patterns, and APIs to enhance collaboration between engagement and mission analysis tools.

This role requires eligibility for a US security clearance, and candidates should have a strong background in engineering or computer science, with at least 8 years of relevant experience. Ara supports initiative and ingenuity in a stable environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant work experience with BS or 6+ years with MS.
• Ability to turn ambiguous goals into concrete technical plans.
• Experience with backend web frameworks and RESTful API development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of software connecting M&S tools.
• Define schemas and data flows between tools.
• Design and implement APIs to enable connections between tools.

Skills

Programming languages (Java, Python, C++, TypeScript)

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, physics, operations research, applied mathematics

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

If you are an experienced engineer who enjoys solving ambiguous problems of national importance and wants to shape how complex systems are built and integrated, this role is for you. You will work in a stable environment that rewards initiative, learning, ingenuity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. We are seeking a Software Engineer to help develop software that connects physics-based Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools in a Digital Engineering environment. You will build and integrate software used throughout the warfighting capability development cycle, from early prototypes through testing and fielding, for Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

In this role, you will take high-level program goals and turn them into concrete technical plans for connecting engagement, mission, and campaign analysis tools. You will design data models, integration patterns, and APIs that allow M&S tools and analysis capabilities to work together effectively. You will be expected to create structure from ambiguity, identify the next most important work, and help guide the technical direction of parts of our Digital Engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Help lead the design and implementation of software that connects physics-based M&S tools and analysis capabilities in a Digital Engineering environment.
• Define and evolve schemas and data flows to move simulation and analysis results between tools (e.g., relational, document, or graph data models or message queueing strategies).
• Design and implement APIs (e.g., REST or gRPC) and integration patterns that enable robust, scalable connections between tools.
• Regularly propose and execute de-risking prototypes to explore ideas, clarify requirements, and reduce technical uncertainty before making design commitments.
• Take high-level objectives from PMs/PIs/technical leads and independently propose technical approaches, plans, and milestones.
• Help shape the technical roadmap for parts of our Digital Engineering environment, including identifying gaps, proposing improvements, and prioritizing integration work.
• Contribute to engineering practices across the team through design discussions, code reviews, and mentorship of less-experienced engineers.

Requirements

• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, physics, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years relevant work experience with BS
• 6+ years relevant work experience with MS
• Proven experience with programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++, or TypeScript) for software development and/or data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to turn ambiguous goals into concrete technical plans, including breaking down work, identifying risks, and selecting appropriate tools and approaches.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work closely with domain experts and technical leadership to refine goals and designs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with backend web frameworks and RESTful API development.
• Experience developing plugins and/or functionality for DevSecOps, MBSE, or PLM tools.
• Familiarity with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) v2 and especially the API and Services specification.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies and platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, AWS).
• Substantive experience in simulating a war fighting domain, e.g., electromagnetic spectrum operations.
• Existing DoD security clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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