Principal Software Engineer - Strategic Defense Solutions (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-03-09

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Principal Software Engineer - Strategic Defense Solutions (Onsite)

Role Description:   

We are searching for a Principal Software Engineer to join our team in Sterling VA within the Simulation & Training Solutions (STS) business area.  

STS develops and builds highly realistic simulators and training systems for both military and commercial customers.  We utilize cutting edge technology (VR, haptic feedback, gamified scenarios) to deliver highly specialized training for some of the most demanding jobs in aviation.  Devices range in complexity from desktop training all the way up to high fidelity weapon system and full-flight training systems including full visual motion and simulator interoperability. 

In this position, you will become a technical subject matter expert for the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi-platform training device software and their associated user interfaces.  This position requires a highly skilled individual who can step onto a team and quickly come up to speed on complex systems, who is also comfortable dealing with customers and program leadership.  Candidates with agile development experience and the desire to grow into agile leadership roles are strongly encouraged to apply!  This position requires the ability to obtain a US security clearance.  Most aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence. 

What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software on cross-functional agile teams to deliver solutions within budget, scope, and schedule constraints 

• Assist in analysis and decomposition of features

• Perform and lead bidding and proposal activities to support the acquisition of new business 

• Make and influence decisions which impact cost, schedule, and technical performance at a program level 

• Highly motivated full-stack software development focal 

• Perform multi-threaded software debugging  

• Work independently with limited supervision 

• Demonstrate leader-like qualities in your every-day work - Be a positive focal for your team, recognize peers’ accomplishments, and help onboard junior team members. 

• Contribute to software and systems engineering requirements capture and analysis 

• Travel to domestic and international customer sites to support training events and product installations 

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 12 years of relevant experience

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date

• Must have previous experience working with C++. 

• Have experience with agile development practices and general software engineering design principles 

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Familiarity with Linux and Windows development environments  

• Candidate exhibits leader-like qualities and has a willingness to share their knowledge and build up their peers 

• Experience using Visual Studio and Eclipse 

• Familiarity with DevSecOps and Agile development methodologies 

• Experience using Win32/Win64 APIs and associated Linux API 

• Experience working with databases; formatting queries, creating tables, particularly with Postgres 

• Strong OOP and C++ language skills including STL, Templates 

• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) 

• Usage of source code control tools (SVN, GIT, ClearCase, etc.) 

• Usage of ALM tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible, Bamboo) 

• Active DoD Security Clearance (within 24 months) 

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose i