Engineer II – Advanced Test Software

About the role

The Electrical Solutions team is seeking a Software Engineer to work with technical teams using primarily Python and Ruby, to design, develop, integrate, and certify test system software and hardware for a variety of applications. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

Responsibilities

• Key member of technical teams to design, develop, integrate, and certify test system software and hardware for applications including subsystem command and data handling, low-level hardware control, automation, custom interfaces, and communication software for ground, airborne, and/or space systems.
• Participate in requirements definition, analysis and decomposition, support system-level architecture definition, and design/implement test software for multiple programs concurrently.
• Create professional software applications and scripts primarily in Python and Ruby with other languages as needed.
• Communicate technical, cost, and schedule status to program management and negotiate scope and resources to meet program goals.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure test systems meet the end needs of the program.
• Work with program teams to estimate technical resource requirements, including data structures, storage, analysis, test equipment, and networking needs.
• Participate in department activities to improve methods and processes.
• Work under formal software development methodologies.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the Company.
• Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Work Environment

• On-site work requiring regular in-person engagement five days each normally scheduled week at the primary work location.
• Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors, or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Requirements

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required, plus 2 or more years of related experience. Each higher-level degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Experience using Python to integrate with hardware (COTS instrumentation, custom hardware, FPGAs, etc.) to test products under development.
• Experience configuring and interfacing to instrumentation across various protocols, including UART, GPIB, DAQmx, RIO, TCP-IP, USB, Spacewire, 1553, and other related technologies.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker or Podman, including developing software within containerized environments and creating/configuring containerized infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipeline development, including creating automated workflows and integrating with version control systems.
• Experience working on the full software lifecycle, including defining requirements from an abstract system with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to work across engineering disciplines and cross-functional teams.
• Self-starter with good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and on a team.
• Working knowledge of software quality principles.
• A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Qualifications

• TS/SCI or current SSBI.
• Proficiency in web frameworks, components, and technologies such as Ruby on Rails, Knockout, Vue, NodeJS, JavaScript, Keycloak, Redis, Traefik, and Minio.
• Experience working with OpenC3 COSMOS as a test executive and creating custom Ruby-based OpenC3 components.
• Experience with a range of operating systems and scripting tools, including Linux, Windows, BASH, and PowerShell, with the ability to write simple scripts, automate tasks, and troubleshoot common issues.
• Experience with databases, both relational and NoSQL.
• Basic understanding of FPGA design and VHDL.
• Experience with the NI toolchain such as LabVIEW (including RT and FPGA) and Veristand.
• Experience with software security best practices, including identifying/mitigating vulnerabilities through static code analysis, CVE analysis, implementing secure connections, and compliance with CMMC security principles.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $79,365 - $134,921. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Employee recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.