Principal Software Engineer I – Autonomy Software

Scientific Systems

. Lead a software team to develop software applications based on defined and derived requirements and create software designs at the object/class and application level.

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts, Oregon • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $169,000 - $212,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaLinuxPythonRust

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a software team to develop software applications based on defined and derived requirements and create software designs at the object/class and application level.
Lead migrations of SSCI software applications to the SSCI Digital Engineering Environment, as directed, in support of current and future USG and DoD software acquisition requirements.
Write and review software documentation.
Lead or support development sprints and code reviews.
Manage a small software team tasked to achieve program milestones as directed, in accordance with modern software engineering Agile Software Development methodologies.
Lead or support Prime and customer-facing interactions.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in software engineering and other areas relevant to SSCI (Navigation, Mission Planning, Autonomy, etc.).
Assist with non-technical programmatic priorities as needed, including staff planning, budget estimation and tracking, and customer-facing interactions.
This role may require the ability to sit or stand at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
May require the ability to push/pull/lift up to 15 pounds.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, or Data Science, or equivalent experience and 10+ years progressive software engineering experience including team leadership in a related industry and relevant experience with software development/R&D of AI for Robotics, Machine Learning, Robot Planning/Optimization Techniques, and/or Autonomous Uncrewed Systems Software
Significant experience as part of an autonomy integration team, including leading autonomy software to achieve operationally relevant software capabilities.
Extensive experience using modern software development tool chains and processes including build, test, and documentation methodologies as well as experience performing configuration (user accounts, project settings) for tools such as git/Gitlab/Github, Confluence/Jira, CI/CD, build automation tools, automated test methodologies, Model-Based System Engineering tools and techniques, etc.
Experience using C/C++, Python, and/or project-specific required languages (e.g. Java, Rust, etc.).
Experience designing object-oriented class structures with well-designed API within the languages of interest.
Experience with DoD or other common robotics and datalink architecture standards. (especially OMS, ROS, and AFSIM, as well as FACE, DDS, STANAG 4586, J-Series, etc)
Experience designing software architecture for complex software systems and integrate with DoD-standard architectures and interfaces.
Experience identifying and clarifying customer technical requirements and aligning technical efforts with requirements.
Master’s of Science degree or PhD (Preferred)
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Significant experience in AI/Autonomy/Robotics advanced technologies and software as demonstrated in successfully field-tested unmanned systems
Experience in Linux-based development environments
Excellent oral and written communication skills including technical writing skills used to write clear documentation for developed code.
Ability to identify and creatively solve complex problems.
Ability to execute logical reasoning and decision-making skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Salary: $169,000 - $212,000 (Depends on Experience)
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Hybrid work schedule
Summer 9/80 Work Schedule
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Work From Home
Free Food & Snacks
Wellness Resources
Employee Stock Ownership Plan

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C/C++PythonJavaRustAI for RoboticsMachine LearningRobot Planning TechniquesAutonomous Uncrewed Systems SoftwareObject-oriented designSoftware architecture design

Soft Skills

Team leadershipOrganizational skillsAttention to detailOral communicationWritten communicationTechnical writingProblem-solvingLogical reasoningDecision-making

Certifications

Bachelor of Science degreeMaster’s of Science degreePhDUS DOD Security Clearance