
Principal Software Engineer
Leonardo DRS
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: San Diego • California • United States
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Salary
💰 $134,332 - $208,551 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Lead the design and development of C++ software for instrument communication, hardware control, and user interface applications supporting advanced optical and automation systems
- Architect Qt‑based cross‑platform applications and integrate software with scientific instrumentation
- Drive improvements in reliability and performance
- Build and maintain C++ software for instrument communication, hardware control, and GUI applications
- Build and enhance Qt based user interfaces for scientific, industrial, and automation systems
- Design reliable software components that interface with cameras, motors, power meters, wavelength meters, and other USB/TCP IP devices
- Create Python automation scripts to support optical alignment and manufacturing workflows
- Develop and maintain databases, image processing routines, signal processing algorithms, and optimization tools
- Support robotic alignment stations and contribute to automation framework development
- Participate in code reviews, follow best practices, and maintain clear technical documentation
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to gather requirements and deliver integrated solutions
- Debug, profile, and optimize software for performance and reliability
- Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing within a multi-member engineering team.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience
- Strong command of modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20) and experience with CMake
- Proficiency with Qt C++ for cross platform GUI development
- Hands on experience with Visual Studio IDE for C++ development and debugging
- Experience developing hardware support libraries and working with instrument communication protocols (SCPI, FTDI USB, Ethernet, Serial)
- Familiarity with unit testing frameworks such as Catch2 or Google Test
- Experience with Python and other scripting languages for automation, tooling, and data processing
- Strong debugging, profiling, and performance optimization skills
- Git SCM experience
- Comfortable with multi-threaded programming, concurrency, and real-time system development
- Strong problem solving ability, clear communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
- U.S. Citizenship required
- This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Benefits
- comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
- paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including any state-mandated paid sick leave)
- parental leave benefits
- tuition reimbursement
- professional development support
- life and disability insurance coverage
- competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits
- company contribution to a health savings account
- telemedicine
- legal insurance
- 401(k) savings plan
- wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
- flexible work schedules with 9/80 program and competitive vacation
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
C++CMakeQtPythonimage processingsignal processingoptimization toolsmulti-threaded programmingdebuggingperformance optimization
Soft Skills
problem solvingclear communicationindependent workcollaborative workmentoring
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceDOD security clearance