Senior Software Engineer – C++ / VxWorks

Senior Software Engineer – C++ / VxWorks (Defense & Aerospace)
Location: Dahlgren, Virginia (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Industry: Defense & Aerospace

Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance Required



Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer with strong expertise in C++, VxWorks RTOS, and embedded defense systems to support mission-critical weapon and missile defense programs. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to advanced naval and missile defense technologies, including support for sophisticated Aegis Weapon System initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience developing and integrating real-time embedded software within classified defense environments and possess a strong understanding of safety-critical systems, hardware integration, and software verification processes.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain real-time embedded software for advanced defense and weapon systems.
• Develop high-performance software applications using C++ within VxWorks RTOS environments.
• Support software development efforts for missile systems, weapon systems, simulators, and associated test equipment.
• Perform hardware/software integration, troubleshooting, and system validation activities.
• Participate in software verification, validation, and testing throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, test, and program engineering teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Support system-level integration, qualification, and operational testing events.
• Analyze software requirements and translate them into scalable, maintainable software solutions.
• Maintain technical documentation, software design artifacts, and engineering reports.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards, safety requirements, and software development best practices.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ software development.
• Hands-on experience developing applications on VxWorks Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Experience with real-time embedded software development.
• Knowledge of SMP (Symmetric Multi-Processing) and multi-core processing architectures.
• Experience with software integration and testing in hardware-intensive environments.
• Familiarity with software lifecycle methodologies and engineering documentation.

• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance (Required).
• Ability to maintain clearance throughout employment.

• Experience supporting Aegis Weapon Systems programs.
• Background in Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) or Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) systems.
• Experience supporting missile flight test programs.
• Knowledge of missile telemetry, initialization messages, and communication protocols.
• Experience with missile simulators, test equipment, and weapon system integration.
• Previous experience within Defense, Aerospace, Naval Warfare, or Missile Systems organizations.

• Strong analytical and debugging capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in classified and highly technical environments.
• Experience developing software for safety-critical systems.
• Strong understanding of system integration and test methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.