Software Engineer III/IV *Top Secret*

Cessna Aircraft Company; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedules

Education Assistance

Wellness Program (Fitness Reimb.)

Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with

Company Funding

Job summary

Textron Systems Electronic Systems builds advanced test, simulation, and training solutions for EW missions. The role spans design, integration of AI, and close collaboration with hardware teams in lab environments.

Level III/IV engineers design and develop across C#/C++/Java, lead small teams, and define system architectures while maintaining strict performance and security requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 5+ years for Level III; 10+ years for Level IV.
• Active U.S. Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Expert in object-oriented design and modern software engineering practices (CI, TDD, scalable systems).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership; ability to mentor teams.
• Familiarity with RF technologies; hands-on experience preferred.
• Signal processing knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain applications using C#, C++, Java, and Python.
• Work with embedded systems, microcontrollers, GPUs, and FPGA interfaces.
• Lead the development of intuitive GUIs for complex, multi-functional systems.
• Integrate AI technology into product capabilities.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers in hands-on lab environments.
• Debug and troubleshoot with lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Define system requirements and architecture with systems engineers and customers.
• Contribute to technical sections of proposals.
• Support project planning and monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Lead small software development teams as needed.

Skills

Object-oriented design

Continuous integration

Test-driven development

Leadership

Communication

RF technologies knowledge

Signal processing knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description - Software Engineer III/IV *Top Secret* (344417)

Job Number: 344417

Who We Are Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. This role is in Textron System’s Electronic Systems Domain. Visit TextronSystems.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About the Role

Textron Systems Electronic Systems builds advanced test, simulation, and training solutions that support Electronic Warfare (EW) missions domestic and abroad. Our technology helps replicate real world radar and missile threats—on the flight line, in the lab, and on the test range—to ensure aircraft sensors and pilots are prepared for today’s rapidly evolving electromagnetic environment. If you’re excited about building solutions that directly contribute to mission readiness, this is a place where your work truly matters.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and maintain applications using languages such as C#, C++, Java, and Python.
• Work with embedded systems, including microcontrollers, GPUs, and FPGA interfaces.
• Lead the development of intuitive and user-friendly graphical user interfaces for complex, multi-functional systems, ensuring alignment with user requirements and technical constraints.
• Integrate AI technology into our product capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers in dynamic, hands-on lab environments to provide critical software expertise during development and troubleshooting phases.
• Debug and troubleshoot using industry-standard lab equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, digital oscilloscopes).
• Work with systems engineers and customers to define system requirements and architecture.
• Contribute to technical sections of proposals.
• Support project planning and monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Lead small software development teams as needed.

Additional Responsibilities for Level IV:

• Demonstrate comprehensive expertise in embedded systems, including microcontrollers, GPUs, and FPGA interfaces.
• Take ownership of the design and development of user-friendly and highly intuitive graphical user interfaces for complex systems, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to system requirements.
• Work with systems engineers and senior stakeholders to define, review, and execute system requirements, architecture, and technical roadmaps, while driving alignment with business goals and customer needs.
• Lead project planning activities at a higher scale, including medium-sized teams, and drive project success with superior leadership and technical planning.
• Act as a key advisor and technical leader to improve organizational capabilities, collaborating with executive stakeholders, customers, and cross-functional teams to shape and influence the broader technical vision.

Qualifications - External

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of relevant experience for Level III; 10+ years for Level IV.
• Must have an active U.S. Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Comprehensive expertise in object-oriented design principles and extensive experience with modern software engineering practices, including continuous integration, test-driven development, and best practices for maintainable, scalable systems design.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with the ability to lead and mentor software engineering teams.
• Familiarity with Radio Frequency (RF) technologies and concepts is a plus, with hands‑on experience preferred.
• Signal processing knowledge is a plus.

Track record of owning and delivering complex projects on time, meeting requirements in high‑stakes environments.

Additional Qualifications for Level IV:

• Expert knowledge of object-oriented design principles and the ability to architect and deliver complex, scalable, and high-performance software solutions following modern software development best practices.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, demonstrating the ability to lead technical discussions, mentor cross-functional teams, and align diverse stakeholders toward common objectives.
• Established track record of owning and delivering mission-critical projects, ensuring high-quality results under strict deadlines and in high‑stakes environments. Proven ability to define and manage technical risks, scope, and system performance.
• Proven history of acting as a thought leader and a key contributor to innovative projects while improving organizational engineering practices.

Pay transparency

• Level III Engineer: $115,800.00 - $176,200.00 per year
• Level IV Engineer: $146,500.00 - $224,500.00 per year

Why Join Us?

You’ll work on meaningful technology that directly supports the warfighter, collaborate with talented engineers across disciplines, and solve complex, real world problems every day. If you enjoy blending software, hardware, and hands on engineering challenges, you’ll feel right at home here.

How We Care

At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Education Assistance
• Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
• Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding

Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted every day by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is $115,800 - $176,200 per year.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.