Principal Software Engineer

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology advantage into users' hands, from space to sub-surface.
Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes.
SDD considers the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development, to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems.
Current efforts include programs for airborne and space RF as well as advanced testing enabled by multi-function, multi-modal capabilities.
SDD is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support the architecting, design, development, and implementation of software for advanced, real-time processing for multi-function Radar systems.
You will collaborate with fellow researchers and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses, groups, divisions, and with industry partners to interpret and understand customer objectives and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems.
You will direct and/or lead software development efforts and junior software engineers, as needed, in areas of focus including exploration and demonstration of radar, communications, and EW/RF convergence.
You will apply a background in relevant engineering disciplines (rf/radar, signal processing, aerospace, command and control) and software systems (networking protocols, high speed data I/O, distributed computing) through proficiency in programming in either C or C++ (preferably both) supported by a working knowledge of MATLAB and Python.
Success in this role will rely on strong understanding of the complete software life cycle (requirements, design, development, integration, and test) applied with an eye toward efficiency and optimization (time, memory, etc.
).
Since the systems SDD develops are deployed in operationally relevant environments, the software needs to meet standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse.
Therefore, experience with sound software engineering principles, as well as software unit test tools and methodologies are valuable.
This position will offer the opportunity for technical leadership, project planning, design, analysis, software development, software testing, and fielding of capabilities.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and expertise in areas such as: algorithms, systems engineering, and test & evaluation.
This position requires skills in working with multi-disciplinary teams, managing design, development, and test activities, as well as technical proficiency in relevant technologies.
Strong interpersonal, communication, technical, and peer-leadership skills are also required.
Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and individual contributors on the program team through strong written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities: Serve as an intermediary between hardware and Software/Firmware design to ensure complete and proper implementation of systems requirements Architect, develop and implement C/C++ software on processors (e.
g.
ARM) to interface with and control programmable logic for real-time radar operation (based on a 3U VPX system) Develop C/C++ software to control the aggregation of data (e.
g.
radar I/Q) across multiple nodes to a central FPGA Work with firmware developers to develop and implement programmable logic control Implement C/C++ and python scripting for software-in-the-loop applications applied to system test and integration activities, including C/C++ GUI development Optimize C/C++ implementations to achieve performance metrics (such as real-time) Develop automated regression testing for radar hardware and software systems Ensure C/C++ implementations conform to modular open architecture standards such that they can be seamlessly integrated into and tested within existing software codebases Support C/C++ software migration to various High Performance Computing (HPC) architectures to include CPUs, GPUs, and other novel architectures Design and maintain analysis systems for system engineering team, including data handling protocols, interfaces to analysis languages such as MATLAB and Python, and large-scale data storage Required Qualifications: Object oriented and procedural programming skills in C/C++ Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python as well as other higher-level languages Proficiency with Linux systems development Experience working with software-intensive systems and open architecture Experience developing user and engineering GUI interfaces, including real-time radar control and status, and regression testing systems Demonstrated desire to successfully pursue new challenges, improve and broaden technical skills, seek greater responsibilities, and increase individual value to the organization Capable of effectively working in a team environment, often under tight deadlines Mentoring and providing career development direction to junior engineers Experience in preparing and delivering high-level briefings to Customers and senior management.
Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end solution Familiarity with the execution of technical reviews (SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, TIMS) Demonstrated experience in leadership and delivery of advanced development projects Background should include a Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of applicable experience; Master's degree and at least 8 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 5 years of applicable experience.
Equivalent experience will be considered US Citizenship with active Secret security clearance, and eligible to obtain Top Secret Desired Qualifications: Understanding of and experience with Radar systems (including beam forming) and their principles of design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, and data analysis Active Top Secret clearance Experience with software development tools including continuous build, unit testing frameworks, static and dynamic code analysis Experience with algorithm optimization for real time systems, especially radar and/or remote sensing Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable; Radar, Electronic Warfare, Acoustic, Antenna Apertures, Sensor Resource Management, Sea/Air/Space, Large-Scale Platform Test Systems, Cyber Physical Systems, Open System Architectures (UCI, OMS, COARPS) Agile software development experience Familiarity with specific government open architectures (e.
g.
, Open Mission Systems) Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related technical field STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA.
We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members.
Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company.
Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world.
We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers.
If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.
str.
us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer.
We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.
us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.