Software Engineer, Autonomy

CoAspire; Washington; On-site; USD 108,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

401(k) with generous company match

PTO and Federal holidays

Job summary

CoAspire, a defense manufacturer in Northern Virginia, seeks a software engineer to build onboard autonomy software for networked strike weapons. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to apply classical algorithms, ML, or AI to coordinate engagements in contested environments.

The role requires strong C++ experience, embedded/real-time programming, and collaboration in a fast-paced, safety-focused setting. Travel CONUS for flight tests may be required.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or related degree.
• Experience with C++ in embedded/real-time systems.
• Ability to obtain US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop/modify cooperative autonomy algorithms for airborne weapons.
• Design protocols/API for weapon-to-weapon and weapon-to-C2.
• Integrate this functionality with the embedded OFP stack.
• Create and validate high-fidelity simulations of cruise-missile flight and networking.
• Train and test collaborative communications, track management, and target-prioritization functions.
• Write clean, maintainable code with automated tests and CI/CD integration.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for reviews.

Skills

C++ programming

Algorithms

Embedded systems

Real-time programming

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

Job description

CoAspire is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

What You Will Do: You will build onboard autonomy software for collaborative airborne strike weapons. The work centers on weapons that communicate with one another in flight so a salvo can share situational awareness, reallocate routes and waypoints, and make dynamic targeting decisions within stakeholder-defined rules of engagement. Working with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop planning, decision, and communications software - using classical algorithms, machine learning, AI, or a mix of all three - so networked munitions remain effective in contested, communications-limited environments.

Location:

Fairfax or Manassas, VA

Responsibilities:

• Develop/Modify cooperative autonomy algorithms for airborne and other strike weapons, enabling Network Collaborative Autonomy (NCA) capability.
• Design and implement weapon-to-weapon and weapon-to-C2 protocols/APIs that support tactical decision-making on the edge, similar to in-flight target updates (IFTUs). Existing government protocols/APIs will serve as a basis for this work.
• Integrate this functionality with the extant, embedded Operational Flight Program (OFP) stack.
• Create and validate high-fidelity simulations of cruise-missile flight, networking, and collaborative engagement.
• Train, tune, and test collaborative communications, track management, and target-prioritization functions using classical methods, ML, or AI.
• Write clean, maintainable, efficient code with automated regression and unit test cases that also interoperate with our CI/CD pipeline.
• Assist engineering leadership in diagnosing performance issues, evaluating design trade-offs, and recommending optimizations.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, analysis summaries, charts, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to process improvements, autonomy tools, optimization algorithms, and workflow enhancements as needed.
• Support CONUS travel for flight test and integration events as required.

Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of C++ experience with a solid understanding of algorithms, embedded considerations, real-time programming and networking.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or adjacent technical degree.
• Proficiency in Git for configuration management.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or adjacent technical degree.
• Experience with USAF Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA)
• Previous expertise with collaborative communications in airborne platforms such as drones or other DoW weapons.

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

The anticipated salary range for this position is $108,000-$140,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.