Staff Software Engineer (Top Secret)

About the role

The Western Region Software Engineering organization comprises over 800 highly skilled professionals, including Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Database Administrators, and Network Engineers, at all levels—ranging from early-career engineers to senior chief engineers and architects.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, integrate, test, and debug software solutions for end-user customers and internal business applications.
• Lead the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of embedded and real-time systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test—within an Agile development environment.
• Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies.
• Apply strong problem-solving skills to quickly grasp complex concepts.
• Perform on-orbit data analysis and anomaly investigations, delivering timely resolutions.
• Provide full-time onsite support and be on-call for operational anomalies and investigations (including nights and weekends).
• Prepare charts, present data, and make recommendations to internal teams, program leadership, and external customers using excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 12+ years of relevant software engineering experience or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of stated experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++.
• Experience with Windows and at least one of the following operating systems: Solaris, UNIX, or Linux.
• Extensive background developing and debugging large-scale embedded payload software on Unix-based platforms.
• Proven leadership experience, including guiding small teams, managing tasks, conducting detailed technical reviews, and delivering operational support under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at the time of application.

Skills

• Familiarity with Agile practices and the Atlassian suite (Confluence, Jira, Kanban, Bamboo, BitBucket).
• Knowledge of VxWorks, PowerPC, and real-time processing.
• Experience developing complex software systems that interface with hardware.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Demonstrated expertise with the Simics Test Environment, including implementing Simics enhancements.
• Comprehensive understanding of payload systems and MilSatCom message protocols.
• Proven ability to conduct on-orbit data analysis and resolve anomalies promptly.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible Schedules