Senior Software Engineer

ARA; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a seasoned software engineer to join their dynamic team in Santa Barbara. This role focuses on simulating electromagnetic threats and developing software models to assess their impact on electronic systems. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in C++ and C# while collaborating with a hybrid team of scientists and developers. Opportunities for mentorship and leadership await as the role evolves. Join a company that values innovation and offers a collaborative environment where your contributions will have a significant impact on critical projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience designing software solutions for engineering applications.
• Expertise in object-oriented programming with C++ or C#.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop C++, C# code for EM prediction software.
• Lead software development efforts in an agile environment.

Skills

C++

C#

Mathematical Modeling

Parallel Programming

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Matlab

High-Performance Computing

Job description

The Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Algorithms, Modeling and Assessments (AMA) division is seeking an experienced software engineer with a solid mathematical foundation to focus on simulating the effects of electromagnetic (EM) threats from nuclear or other sources. This role involves creating software models to simulate EM environments, assessing the impact of EM fields and ionizing radiation on electronic systems, and researching methods to protect sensitive equipment.

As a member of the Santa Barbara team, you’ll work in a C++/C# development environment alongside a hybrid team of scientists and software developers, simulating Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) phenomena and other EM effects. Opportunities include developing tools to assess EMP effects on critical infrastructure, assessing radioactive effects on space systems, simulating EM propagation in urban environments, and nuclear forensics. The ideal candidate should be motivated, with a passion for both research and development, and the ability to apply scientific principles to solve complex problems.

As a senior engineer, you will be asked to mentor junior team members and contribute technical expertise across projects. In the future, this role is expected to evolve into leading software development efforts with a small team of engineers. Travel is not required but opportunities are available for a candidate interested in supporting EM survivability testing or project meetings. Hybrid work options are available, but the candidate should be able to work on-site as needed to meet project goals. The salary range for this position is $139,699 - $179,613. The salary offered to the ideal candidate will depend on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position.

Due to the nature of work performed candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for a Department of Defense Secret, or higher, level security clearance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, developing, and troubleshooting C++, C# code for our flagship EM prediction software (Windows/Linux).
• Prototyping new algorithms and models using scripting languages like Matlab.
• Proposing and implementing improvements to existing EM propagation models.
• Leading a software development effort in an agile environment.
• Presenting technical assessments and progress reports to government customers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Physics, or related field with a minimum 8 years of experience designing software solutions for engineering applications.
• Expertise in object-oriented programming with C++ or C#.
• Experience evaluating and coding mathematical models.
• Experience with parallel programming and writing performance-optimized code for computationally intensive applications.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to maintain a Secret or higher DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a minimum 6 years of experience designing software solutions for engineering applications.
• Proven ability to lead small software projects, including architecting and designing scalable, maintainable programs.
• Expertise in high-performance computing (HPC) and parallel processing techniques (e.g., multi-threading, GPU programming, or distributed systems).
• Proficiency in additional languages or scripting tools (e.g., JavaScript, Python, or Matlab) for prototyping or model development.
• Ability to independently tackle novel technical challenges with minimal supervision.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,309 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Algorithms, Modeling and Assessments (AMA) Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities