Senior Software Engineer-Linux Backend

Leonardo DRS; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 107,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health savings account

Telemedicine

Life and disability insurance

Legal insurance

401(k)

Job summary

DRS RADA Technologies, a unit of Leonardo DRS, seeks a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and evolve Linux-based, mission-critical software for radar and defense systems. The role emphasizes system-level thinking, reliability, and shaping development practices, with radar experience helpful but not required.

You will primarily develop in Rust, maintain C/C++ code, and advance CI/CD pipelines and containerized services. This on-site Germantown, MD role requires U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Five+ years of software engineering experience.
• Ability to learn Rust and work with Rust/C/C++.
• Strong Linux proficiency and automation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain software applications and systems supporting radar and defense technology solutions.
• Translate requirements into reliable software designs.
• Develop software primarily in Rust while interfacing with C/C++ codebases as needed.
• Build and improve automated build, test, and deployment processes using Git, CI/CD pipelines, Jenkins or similar tools, and container-based environments.
• Build and troubleshoot Linux-based services involving networking, containers, microservices, and service-to-service communication.
• Lead assigned technical work, collaborate across engineering disciplines, mentor teammates, and communicate risks clearly.

Skills

Rust

C/C++

Linux

Networking

Docker

Git

CI/CD

Team Leadership

Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field

Tools

Docker

Git

CI/CD tools (Jenkins etc.)

Job description

TSenior Software Engineer - Linux Backend Systems

Location:

Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 115048

Location: Germantown, MD

Business Unit: DRS RADA Technologies

Schedule: 9/80

Shift: First

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

About the Role:

DRS RADA Technologies is seeking a full-time, on-site Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and evolve Linux-based, mission-critical software supporting advanced radar and defense solutions. This hands-on role is ideal for an experienced, systems-oriented engineer who can translate complex requirements into reliable and maintainable software while helping shape technical direction and development practices. Prior radar experience is helpful but not required; we value strong software engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn complex technical domains.

What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain software applications and systems supporting radar and defense technology solutions.
• Translate customer, product, and system-level requirements into reliable and maintainable software designs.
• Develop software primarily in Rust, while working with C and C++ codebases, interfaces, or existing systems as needed.
• Build and improve automated build, test, and deployment processes using Git, CI/CD pipelines, Jenkins or similar tools, and container-based environments.
• Build and troubleshoot Linux-based services involving networking, containers, microservices, and service-to-service communication.
• Lead assigned technical work, collaborate across engineering disciplines, mentor teammates, and communicate technical risks and tradeoffs clearly.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, plus at least five years of relevant software engineering experience.
• Fluency in C, C++, or Rust, with the ability and interest to become productive in Rust; prior Rust experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong Linux proficiency, including command-line tools, shell scripting, automation, and build systems.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and experience developing or troubleshooting networked services; experience with Docker or comparable container technologies is preferred.
• Experience developing software that communicates across processes, services, or systems using technologies such as APIs, messaging, publish/subscribe patterns, protobuf, gRPC, or comparable approaches.
• Proficiency with Git and experience working with automated build, test, or CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to lead technical work independently and collaborate effectively across engineering teams.
• U.S. citizenship is required; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance may be required for future program work.

What This Role Is Not:

• This is not a purely coding-focused position. While you will write and maintain software, you will also help shape technical approaches, contribute to design and architecture decisions, troubleshoot complex issues, and support the successful delivery of integrated systems.
• This is not a role limited to one technology or programming language. The work centers on Rust development for Linux-based, service-oriented software, with related work in C/C++, networking, containers, automated testing, and CI/CD.
• This is not an remote position. This full-time role is based on-site in Germantown, Maryland, where close collaboration with software, systems, hardware, integration, and test teams is essential.
• This is not an entry-level engineering role. The Senior Software Engineer is expected to work independently, lead assigned technical work, make sound engineering decisions, and provide guidance to other team members.
• This is not software developed in isolation. You will work within a cross-functional team and contribute to products that must perform reliably in demanding real-world defense environments.

What We Bring:

At DRS RADA Technologies, your work supports technologies that help protect military personnel, critical infrastructure, and communities around the world. You will join a mission-driven team developing advanced radar technology that supports system performance and real-world defense applications.

We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a company contribution to a health savings account; telemedicine; life and disability insurance; legal insurance; and a 401(k) savings plan. We invest in employee well-being, career growth, professional development, and skill enhancement, and offer a flexible 9/80 schedule, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $107,089.00-$144,570.00.