Software Engineer Manager

OKSI; Tucson (AZ); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team dedicated to developing advanced AI-integrated software for embedded systems. This position involves overseeing software architecture, guiding project execution, and fostering team development in a collaborative environment. The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in software development, coupled with effective leadership and communication skills to drive innovation in defense applications.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software development experience including 3+ years in leadership.
• Strong programming in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with sensor integration and real-time data processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers.
• Oversee software architecture and design practices.
• Ensure timely delivery of software projects.

Skills

Leadership

C/C++ Programming

Python

Software Development Lifecycle

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Advanced Degree Preferred

Tools

Git

Jira

Job description

Job Summary: The Software Engineering Manager leads a team responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of embedded, application-level, and AI-integrated software used in advanced sensing and imaging systems. This role oversees software architecture, technical execution, and team performance across multiple projects. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with hands-on leadership to deliver high-performance, mission-critical software solutions in fast-paced defense and commercial environments.

Job Duties:

Team Leadership & Development:
Lead and mentor software engineers working on embedded systems, AI/ML applications, UI/UX, and system integration. Provide technical guidance, career development support, and performance management.

Software Design & Architecture:
Oversee software architecture, design, and coding practices across multiple programs. Ensure scalable, modular, and maintainable code is developed in line with program needs and industry standards.

Project Execution:
Ensure software deliverables are completed on schedule and within scope. Coordinate software milestones with project managers and other engineering disciplines to support system integration and testing.

Cross-functional Collaboration:
Work closely with systems, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to align software functionality with overall product architecture. Participate in design reviews and support hardware/software integration activities.

Process Improvement & Quality:
Establish and maintain software development standards, including coding conventions, configuration management, documentation practices, and version control. Promote test-driven development and continuous integration practices.

Customer & Proposal Support:
Support proposal development, software work breakdown structures, and level-of-effort estimates. Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and requirements discussions.

Hands-On Software Development:
Independently design, implement, and debug software in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level systems. Contribute actively to development alongside the team, with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration with hardware.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 8 years of software development experience with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar; experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal systems.

Familiarity with software development lifecycle practices, version control systems (e.g., Git), and issue tracking tools (e.g., Jira).

Experience with sensor integration, real-time data processing, and hardware/software interaction.

Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.Successful background screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with AI/ML inference frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, or NVIDIA Jetson platforms).

Background in image processing, computer vision, or EO/IR system development.

Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD workflows, and automated testing frameworks.

Understanding of cybersecurity practices and secure coding standards.

Knowledge of export control (ITAR/EAR) and defense contracting environments.

Possession of or eligibility for a DoD security clearance.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Shift Days

Position Software Engineer I - VI

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Open Date 6/25/2025

Location AZ Remote

About the Organization For over 30 years, OKSI has been a leader in protecting America's interests, leveraging sensor technologies, and machine-learning to support the enduring national security mission. Since our founding we've evolved and grown within the defense industry, driving innovation and industry-disruption while producing machine learning-enhanced hardware and software tools that enable the collection and interpretation of optical information. With our wide range of expertise and customization, OKSI has become the leader in creation and implementation of imaging EO/IR systems for military, ground, air, and space-based applications for the United States. We step in and innovate when existing systems and tools are inadequate. We drive breakthrough technological developments with and for top government agencies, universities, and commercial organizations.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.