Lead, Software Engineering (Defense Tech)

Location: San Diego, California, United States. The role includes up to 20% travel. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Salary: $135,500–$250,500 per year in California.

Company

Defense technology organization delivering mission-critical solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains.

What you will do

• Own system and software architecture by analyzing requirements, developing use cases, and defining implementation strategies.
• Lead software design, implementation, integration, and testing with Java and C++.
• Act as a technical point of contact, recommend technologies, and improve engineering practices.
• Diagnose software defects and system integration issues, including support for deployed operational systems.
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional engineering teams on requirements, operations, and technical improvements.
• Produce technical documentation, participate in design and code reviews, and mentor junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree and at least 7 years of related experience.
• At least 5 years of experience as a technical lead, software architect, or project-level software leader.
• Active Secret Clearance required.
• Experience with software architecture, object-oriented design, multithreaded programming, concurrency, synchronization, and system integration.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.

Nice to have

• Experience with Python, Rust, cloud computing, AI technologies, RTOS environments, FreeRTOS, or Linux.
• Experience across embedded, platform, and cloud domains.
• Space, aerospace, or defense systems experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.
• Health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
• Education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.
• Inclusive environment focused on innovation, professional growth, and work-life success.