Sr. Software Engineer - Arlington, VA

VetJobs; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

VetJobs in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Software Engineer to join our team developing unmanned and autonomous ship software for the US Government. You’ll be embedded in an Agile Scrum team—leading small projects and mentoring engineers from design to deployment.

Required are a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or STEM with 8+ years of experience (or 6+ with a Master’s), strong C++/Linux, and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or STEM with 8+ years of software development, or 6+ years with a Master’s.
• Strong C++ and Linux knowledge.
• Familiarity with software source control and CI/CD tools.
• Experience guiding junior developers and working in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, code, and update software for new features and performance improvements.
• Participate in full SDLC from requirements to deployment.
• Serve as technical lead for small projects and ensure quality.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers to elevate team capabilities.
• Perform peer reviews to ensure maintainability and best practices.
• Engage with client stakeholders to communicate progress, risks, and solutions.

Skills

C++

Linux

Data structures

Team leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Jira/Confluence

Job description

Job Description
ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers . If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. All positions are onsite, unless otherwise stated.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you will be embedded within an Agile Scrum team – designing, building, and testing software that powers some of the nation’s most critical maritime programs. The candidate will help to lead projects of significant national importance, guiding the transformation of existing vessels into autonomous platforms and supporting the development of new ships from concept through deployment.

What You’ll Work On

• Ship Automation & Control Systems
• Autonomous Navigation
• Sensor Fusion & Processing
• Communication Systems
• Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, code and update software for new features and performance improvements.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Serve as technical lead for small projects, providing direction and ensuring technical quality.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering professional growth and elevating team capabilities.
• Perform peer reviews of software, ensuring quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.
• Drive continuous process improvement, collaborating with the team to optimize workflows, tools, and engineering practices.
• Assist with evaluating field tests, analyzing results and transitioning findings into actionable software enhancements.
• Engage directly with client project stakeholders, communicating technical progress, risks, and solutions effectively.
• Some travel (up to 25%) to support field testing, client engagements, and program milestones.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelors

Required Experience

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or STEM field plus 8+ years of professional software development experience, or 6+ years of professional experience with a Master’s degree.
• Understanding of data structures.
• Professional experience using C++ and Linux.
• Knowledge of the Linux operating system.
• Experience with software source control and configuration management tools.
• Significant experience working in a team environment, including experience providing guidance and coaching other developers
• Exposure to one or more of the following: high availability, sensor fusion, target tracking, path planning, communications systems, or military systems integration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Original Posting
July 31, 2026

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)
• Familiarity with automated build processes (Bamboo, Jenkins, etc.)
• Professional experience using Java and front-end development frameworks.
• Knowledge and experience with relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience designing complex systems, considering performance and user requirements.
• Experience with interface communication standards / protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and DDS.
• Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.
• Demonstrated experience with Docker and Kubernetes (RKE2) in containerization, Kubernetes management and automation technologies.
• Experienced in designing, implementing, and analyzing simulations involving extensive datasets, ensuring efficient data processing and accurate modeling outcomes.
• Proficient in applying vector geometry concepts for spatial analysis, modeling, and problem-solving in simulation environments.
• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred

Preferred Clearance

• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred

City*

Arlington

State*

Virginia

City*

Arlington

State*

Virginia

Job_Category

Information Technology

Job Code

IT Information Technology

Affiliate Sponsor

Leidos

Salary Range

>$100,000