Software Engineer (Entry Level or Associate)

Software Engineer (Entry Level or Associate)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Entry Level or Associate Software Engineer (Level 1 or 2) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are looking for a highly skilled individual who will design and develop user interfaces for technical/engineering applications and will support the hardware, firmware, and software development of electro-optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities.  The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the command and control of adaptive optics systems and subsystems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team.  Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:   

• Design and develop user interfaces for command and control of adaptive optics systems and subsystems.

• Create engineering UIs for system configuration, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting tools.

• Design interfaces that communicate with hardware via HTTP protocols for real-time system monitoring and control.

• Collaborate with engineers and operators to understand complex technical requirements and workflows.

• Develop both simple single-purpose tools and complex multi-system management applications.

• Create intuitive interfaces for operational environments and high-stakes control scenarios.

• Participate in system architecture discussions to ensure UI designs align with hardware capabilities and constraints.

• Conduct user research with engineers and operators to optimize workflows for technical users.

• Iterate on designs based on field testing and operational feedback.

• Maintain and enhance existing control system interfaces.

• Document UI specifications and design decisions for technical stakeholders.

• Learn and apply domain knowledge in adaptive optics, control systems, and embedded hardware to inform design decisions.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 

• Experience in Java and/or C++ GUI frameworks (Swing, JavaFX, etc.)

• Experience HTTP communication protocols and client-server architectures

• Experience with writing software for low level device interface control as well as graphical user interface applications

• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 2+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

• Experience designing interfaces for technical/engineering applications

• Experience designing real-time monitoring and control interfaces

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to understand complex technical systems

• Experience working directly with engineers and technical end-users

• Knowledge of GUI application design patterns and best practices

• Ability to design for high-precision, mission-critical environments

• Strong attention to detail and understanding of error handling in UI design

• Excellent technical communication skills

• Experience with embedded systems or hardware interface design

• Knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, or optical systems

• Experience designing for military, aerospace, or defense applications

• Familiarity with real-time data visualization

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