Lead Software Engineer

About the Role

The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, and technical leadership of one or more complex software components (CSCIs) within a larger solution. This role oversees a team of software engineers, guiding their work on new development and modifications to existing applications, while maintaining accountability for schedules, budgets, and adherence to standards, policies, and procedures. The Lead Software Engineer combines hands-on engineering with leadership responsibilities to deliver high-quality modeling and simulation solutions, including advanced flight simulation and immersive AR/VR/XR environments.

Responsibilities

• Own the overall design, implementation, and modification of one or more CSCIs within a software solution.
• Oversee the technical work of teams of approximately 2–10 software engineers, providing day-to-day guidance and support.
• Assign tasks to team members, monitor progress, and intervene when needed to ensure adherence to project schedules and milestones.
• Lead and facilitate design reviews and code reviews, moderate technical disagreements, and ensure review comments are properly addressed and dispositioned.
• Ensure engineering standards, policies, and procedures are consistently followed across the team’s work products.
• Provide regular status updates and revised estimates-to-complete to the Project Manager as the project progresses.
• Train and integrate new team members into the team’s processes and tools, and support the ongoing development of existing team members.
• Provide counseling and recommend corrective actions to the Project Manager when performance or delivery issues arise.
• Support proposal and business development efforts by providing solution designs, technical input, and effort estimates.
• Make targeted modifications to existing software applications and develop new components and systems based on evolving requirements.
• Define software work products using clear requirements and industry-standard methods and documentation practices.
• Perform unit testing of developed code and adhere strictly to applicable coding standards and best practices.
• Leverage internal reusable components and approved Free Open Source Software (FOSS) to minimize cost and maximize productivity.
• Maintain accurate schedules related to assigned tasks, including status tracking and completion dates.
• Implement and apply sound configuration management processes and adhere to established software configuration management and development policies and procedures.
• Understand and adhere to cost and schedule targets established during the program design phase.
• Establish, conduct, and document software testing based on customer requirements, ensuring traceability from requirements to test results.
• Contribute to the overall design and development of software products and applications, particularly in modeling and simulation domains.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally when required to support project activities, integration, or customer engagements.
• Support extended work hours or modified work schedules, as needed, to meet special tasks, deadlines, or critical project milestones.

Essential Skills

• 10 or more years of successful software development experience in the modeling and simulation industry.
• Expert knowledge of applicable programming languages, including strong proficiency in C++.
• Expert knowledge of software architectures and design methodologies for complex, real-time systems.
• Expert knowledge of procedural and object-oriented coding methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with AGILE/SCRUM development methodologies.
• Experience with configuration management tools and processes.
• Experience with building to detailed requirements and/or synthesizing requirements from stakeholder inputs.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of simulation-related devices, including but not limited to full motion flight simulators, avionics systems, electronic control loaders, instructor operator stations (IOS), and servers.
• Experience in the development, integration, or operation of AR, VR, XR, and mixed reality simulation environments.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of simulation systems, including Semi Automated Forces (SAF), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), image generators (IGs), flight modeling software, and datalink simulation software.
• Demonstrated ability to work with immersive technologies, real-time rendering systems, and interoperable simulation architectures.
• Strong domain knowledge in flight simulation and avionics applications.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, including hardware, systems, and training specialists.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills in complex simulation environments.
• Effective communication skills for leading technical discussions, documenting designs, and presenting solutions to stakeholders.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional engineering environment focused on advanced modeling and simulation solutions, including flight simulators, avionics systems, and immersive AR/VR/XR experiences. Work is primarily performed in office and lab settings using Linux and Windows-based workstations, simulation devices, servers, and real-time rendering systems. The position may involve hands-on interaction with full motion flight simulators, instructor operator stations, electronic control loaders, and various simulation systems such as SAF, DIS, and image generators. Standard full-time hours apply, with flexibility required to support extended work hours or modified schedules when needed to meet critical project deadlines or special tasks. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required for integration, testing, or customer support. The environment emphasizes collaboration, adherence to established software development and configuration management processes, and a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence, with professional attire appropriate to an engineering and customer-facing setting.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $72.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position based in Orlando, FL. Standard full-time hours apply, with flexibility required to support extended work hours or modified schedules when needed to meet critical project deadlines or special tasks.

Job Type & Location: Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.