Software Engineer - Sentinel

RKF Engineering Solutions, LLC (DBA Auria); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Flex Time (contract permitting)

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) Match

Education Support up to $12k/year

Premium Healthcare

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Auria seeks a Software Engineer (All Experience Levels) to join the Sentinel program in the Colorado Springs, CO area. You’ll contribute to the development of the ICBM system within an Agile Scrum team, focusing on planning, requirements analysis, design, coding, and testing.

The role supports the SDLC across the C2ES team, requires strong C++/Python skills, and requires US citizenship with DoD clearance eligibility. On-site at a contractor facility with a 9/80 schedule and no remote option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required in Computer Science or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience on a project of similar scope or complexity (0 years with Master's or Doctoral degree).
• Experience with C++, Python, Bash, OOP in a professional setting.
• Must be a US citizen with an active DoD Secret clearance (or eligibility).
• Must be able to obtain Top Secret and SAP clearance within a reasonable timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Support the SDLC from planning to testing on the Sentinel program.
• Collaborate with Agile Scrum team and C2ES to deliver software increments.
• Capture Sentinel Node structure and behavior using SysML/UML MBSE.
• Maintain software design documentation and configuration management.
• Decompose and trace software requirements across the development lifecycle.

Skills

C++

Python

Bash

Object‑Oriented Programming (OOP)

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

RTOS

Linux

VxWorks

CI/CD tools (GitLab/GitHub/Azure/Jenkins/Nexus)

JIRA/Confluence

Java/JavaScript

CMake

Job description

Auria is seeking a Software Engineer (All Experience Levels) to support the Sentinel program (formerly called the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent - GBSD). This position is in the Colorado Springs, CO area. The candidate has a unique opportunity to join a true development team and contribute to the engineering design of our nation's next-generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. Auria supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and system modifications for the ICBM Ground and Airborne Launch Control Systems, Launch Facilities, and associated infrastructure. This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees to work nine-hour days, which creates a three-day weekend every other week. This position is 100% on-site at a contractor facility in the Colorado Springs, CO area. Remote or hybrid options are not available.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:

As a Software Engineer (SWE) you will be assigned to an Agile Scrum Team supporting the Command & Launch (C&L) segment of the Sentinel program, and the Command & Control Embedded Software Team (C2ES). You will be responsible for supporting the C2ES Team through all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This will include significant focus on planning, requirements analysis, design, development (coding), and test. Sentinel is a development program, using the full SDLC.

As a Software Engineer (SWE), you will be a pivotal member of the Command & Control Embedded Software Team (C2ES). This position requires an engineer who is accountable to the team, customer, program management, and program leadership. Responsibilities will include:

• Technical Contributions: Support the technical software requirements baseline, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
• Teaming and Collaboration: Support fellow members in agile software requirements development, fostering growth in critical program efforts.
• Execution: Support technical execution in support of major program events, collaborating within and across the program portfolio.
• Systems Challenges: Support focus on resolving high-level systems challenges, ensuring the execution of the overall technical plan within the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Strategic Initiatives: Support strategic initiatives on tools, processes, and cross-segment technical reviews, driving technical rigor into technical interchange meetings.

• Interface with subject matter experts, analysts, architects, designers, system engineers and specialty engineers to capture Sentinel Node structure and behavior across SysML/UML frameworks.
• Apply engineering principles to design components and systems using applicable standards and specifications, to include Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE).
• Help develop technical content for presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain software design documentation and follow configuration management requirements.
• Support software requirement decomposition, derivation, and traceability.

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related discipline.
• Position can be hired as Junior, Mid or Senior levels. Minimum 1 year of experience on a project of similar scope or complexity (0 years of experience required with a Master's or Doctoral degree).
• Experience with software programming and scripting in a C++, Python, Bash, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), type environment.
• Must be a US citizen with an active DoD Secret clearance, with an investigation date within scope (6 years).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Special Access Program (SAP) security clearance within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the organization to meet program needs.
• Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting‑off solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:

• Experience with development drivers and middleware (RTOS, Linux and/or VxWorks) and anti‑tampering (cryptographic, secure comms, logging, SW deployment).
• Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tools and processes, such as GitLab, GitHub, Azure, Jenkins, or Nexus.
• Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and a structured process driven software development environment.
• Experience with automated testing techniques including unit and integration testing.
• Experience with USA Nuclear Surety (DO-178C, AFMAN 91-119, DO-330, etc.)
• Experience with test framework/application and system verification.
• Experience with Containers creation and utilization.
• Experience with Atlassian tools (JIRA/Confluence).
• Experience with JAVA/JS and real-time processing.
• Experience with Software Safety (Mil-STD882E).
• Experience with CMake build system generator.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Security+ certification.

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $70,000 - $175,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

July 31, 2026

THE AURIA TEAM:

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You'll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

• Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us.
• True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
• 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

• 401(k) Match -Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
• Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health & Peace of Mind

• Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.