Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer Location: San Diego, CA, US, 92127 Job Summary We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the design and development of C++ software for instrument communication, hardware control, and user interface applications supporting advanced optical and automation systems. In this role, you will architect Qt‑based cross‑platform applications, integrate software with scientific instrumentation, and drive improvements in reliability and performance. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define software architecture and best practices while mentoring other engineers. This position offers the opportunity to shape core technologies that enable high‑precision laser and manufacturing solutions. Job Responsibilities Develop 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. Build hands on skill in optical instrumentation, including assembling and aligning laser based optical bench setups. Participate in code reviews, follow best practices, and maintain clear technical documentation. Collaborate with cross functional teams (hardware, firmware, manufacturing, design) to gather requirements and deliver integrated solutions. Debug, profile, and optimize software for performance and reliability. Contribute prototypes to reduce technical risk and support design for manufacturability goals. Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to collaborative engineering culture. Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing within a multi member engineering team. The Ideal Candidate should have: 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, including branching workflows, pull requests, rebasing, merging, and common commands (add, commit, push, fetch, merge, cherry pick, stash). Hands on experience with optical bench alignment and first order optics. Comfortable with multi threaded programming, concurrency, and real‑time system development. Strong problem solving ability, clear communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience. Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge. Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines. 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. The salary range for this position is $134,332.00/year - $208,551.35/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non‑exempt employees as applicable). Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including state‑mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage. Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Leonardo DRS