Senior Software Engineer

Applied Research Associates is seeking a motivated Senior Software Engineer to join a growing multi-disciplinary team situated at the center of tactical software development for the US Special Operations community in Ft. Bragg, NC area (must relocate or commute). The Operator Tactical Intranet System (OTIS) team operates in an agile environment at the crossroads of R&D and an operational user base. This unique environment allows rapid development of cutting-edge products which have an immediate impact on OTIS users and propagate across the DoW and the US Government at large.

Candidates must have an active Secret Security Clearance and must apply for a TS/SCI within 30 days of reporting for duty. This position supports the DoW agency, and the salary is competitive.

This role is contingent upon approval of your qualifications for the position by the government agency.

The Senior Software Engineer will lead and develop cutting-edge applications in response to DoW's tactical requirements. The Senior Software Engineer must be productive individually, work well in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team, and support Software Engineering practices to include technical design and documentation, code development, analysis and integration of third-party solutions, test plans and debugging, and execution of configuration management. A secure yet agile Software Development Lifecycle will be used to deliver quality solutions for the following focus areas:

• Modern mobile and web platforms
• Geospatial and 3D mapping
• Communication and Situational Awareness
• Cloud and Mesh environments

Senior Software Engineer Required Experience & Skills

• BS degree in Computer Science, or a related field with at least 10 years of experience in software development including substantial recent experience in one or more high-level programming languages
• Ability to systematically test and debug software
• Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains
• Security+ Certification, or ability to certify within 6 months of hire
• You will be working closely with a collaborative team so your team-player personality and excellent written/oral communication skills will be essential

Preferred Experience & Skills as a Senior Software Engineer:

Above all, we value passion, a desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set you could succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

• Experience with one or more of the following: Java/Kotlin, Android Development, C#/.NET, Node/Typescript
• Experience with ATAK plugin development
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical team members
• Experience with agile software development and CI/CD workflows
• Familiarity with scripting and rapid prototyping (Python or similar)
• Familiarity with computer networking concepts
• Familiarity with API architectures (e.g. REST)
• Familiarity with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) mapping concepts
• Familiarity with database management systems concepts
• Familiarity with virtualization or containerization (e.g. Docker/Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with DoD Information Assurance (IA) policy and procedures
• Practical experience in a Special Operations Forces (SOF) environment is preferred

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norms. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.


To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at:

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