Senior Software Engineer/Deputy Technical Lead

About the role

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a senior-level Software Engineer to provide software development expertise to Government programs within our C4ISR Systems Division. The selected candidate will serve as a key technical resource for our Government customer, providing hands-on technical direction and leadership for the customer’s software development team. In this role, the candidate will clarify technical details to both technical and non-technical people, identify gaps, and drive practical improvements. The selected candidate must understand the customer’s vision and support the team in evaluating the system’s ability to meet customer requirements, program objectives, and mission needs.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division’s commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security.

Responsibilities

• Guide technical execution across a software team (e.g., senior engineer, technical lead).
• Clarify complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences clearly and respectfully.
• Identify gaps in software systems and drive practical improvements.
• Evaluate the system’s ability to meet customer requirements, program objectives, and mission needs.
• Navigate competing priorities and build alignment among stakeholders.
• Operate independently while elevating team performance.

Requirements

• 15+ years of relevant software engineering experience with increasing technical leadership responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, MIS, engineering, or a related field, or additional 5 years of relevant software engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated experience with software development processes including requirements management, validation and verification, revision control, peer reviews, documentation standards, and quality gates.
• Strong professional presence in complex environments with many stakeholders (i.e., technical, non-technical, Government, military).
• Demonstrated problem-solving and judgment under ambiguity.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and all required program/customer access approvals.
• Must be willing and able to travel, up to 25% as required by the program.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in at least one of the following, with working proficiency in the others: C++, Python, Java, web development, and/or scripting.
• Strong understanding of software system design, development, integration, deployment, testing, and sustainment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences clearly and respectfully.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automated deployments and infrastructure as code.
• Experience with container technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, OpenShift).
• Experience with data streaming/messaging technologies (e.g., gRPC, Kafka, ZeroMQ).
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment.
• Experience with Agile development frameworks.
• Familiarity with DoW mission operations networks.
• Familiarity with DoW cybersecurity standards and procedures.
• Active Security Clearance.

Pay

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000. Salary is commensurate with education and relevant experience. This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications.

About SDL

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.