Technical Lead

What We DoThe Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances the state of the art in software engineering and cybersecurity and serves as a national resource for secure, resilient software systems. The SEI works closely with academia, the U.S. Department of War, other government organizations, and industry to improve the development, acquisition, and sustainment of software-intensive systems.Our core purpose is to help organizations acquire and operate software-reliant systems that are secure, reliable, sustainable, and mission-effective, delivered on time and within budget.If you are creative, curious, collaborative, technology-focused, and motivated to solve complex problems in support of national defense, we encourage you to apply.About the RoleWe are seeking a Software Development Technical Leader to support U.S. Navy customers in the acquisition of a software-based maintenance and readiness application critical to fleet operations and national security. This position provides technical leadership across the software acquisition lifecycle, including architecture analysis, software development oversight, risk reduction, and sustainment planning. The role requires close collaboration with Naval Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and Program Management Offices (PMOs), sustainment organizations, contractors, and fleet stakeholders to ensure software solutions meet operational, maintainability, and long-term supportability requirements.The ideal candidate combines hands-on software expertise (C/C++) with experience supporting Naval acquisition programs, legacy-dependent systems, and operational environments. This role includes guiding technical teams, evaluating architectural tradeoffs, developing prototypes, analyzing existing source code, and leading customer engagements that inform acquisition and sustainment decisions.What You’ll DoSupport Naval software acquisition and sustainment activities in accordance with DoD 5000-series acquisition guidance, including architecture analysis, software engineering, integration, testing, deployment, and long-term sustainment planningProvide technical leadership for a fleet-facing maintenance and readiness application supporting operational availability across afloat and ashore environmentsAdvise Navy Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and government stakeholders on software design decisions, technical risks, modernization strategies, and tradeoffs associated with large, legacy-dependent systemsLead software development efforts from concept through deployment, with an emphasis on C and C++-based implementations supporting high-performance and mission-critical use casesDemonstrate software architecture expertise by developing and maintaining design artifacts such as data-flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, interface control definitions, and quality attribute specifications to support scalable, maintainable, and resilient solutionsAnalyze existing source code, system interfaces, and data flows to identify technical debt, sustainment risks, and modernization opportunities.Develop prototypes and technical demonstrations to support risk reduction, acquisition decision-making, and capability maturationCollaborate with senior U.S. Navy and government stakeholders, contractors, integrators, SEI staff, and leadership to assess needs and deliver technically sound recommendationsLead and mentor a team of developers, fostering disciplined engineering practices, continuous improvement, and mission focusSupport customer engagements such as technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design reviews, and acquisition milestone activities, providing clear, defensible technical inputMaintain awareness of emerging technologies, software development best practices, and Naval digital modernization initiatives relevant to sustainment and maintenance systemsWho You AreAbility to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance; an existing SECRET or higher clearance is preferredPrevious experience leading, architecting, or developing large scale Navy acquisition programs including Aegis Combat System, SM-series interceptors, Sea Sparrow Missile System and/or Surface Electronic Warfare programsPrevious experience working with large scale Naval Command elements such as NAVSEA, NAVAIR, NAVWAR, NAVFAC, NIWC or their predecessors such as SPAWAREducation and Experience Requirements:BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with ten (10) years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experienceProven experience designing and implementing complex software architectures for mission-critical or sustainment-focused systemsDemonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and balance architecture drivers, tradeoffs, extensibility, and long-term maintainabilityDeep understanding of C and C++ software development, including analysis of existing codebasesWorking knowledge of C#, Java, and PythonExperience across the full software development lifecycle, including the use of static analysis tools and techniques to improve software quality and securityDemonstrated ability to lead technical teams and engage credibly with government and contractor stakeholdersStrong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to government decision-makersWillingness to work directly with U.S. military and government stakeholders in support of mission successAbility to travel up to 25% to SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetingsWhy Work HereOur benefits philosophy centers on choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:The opportunity to join a world-class organization with a significant impact on government software systemsWork alongside leading experts to solve high-consequence national security challengesAn 8% employer retirement contribution with no employee contribution requirementTuition benefits for you and your dependent childrenAccess to university resources, including wellness programs, transit benefits, and onsite fitness facilities at select locationsPaid parental leave and military leaveEligibility for relocation assistance and additional benefitsLocationPittsburgh, PAJob FunctionSoftware/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition TypeStaff – RegularFull time/Part timeFull timePay BasisSalaryMore Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. Click here to view a listing of employee benefitsCarnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of AssuranceSummaryLocation: Pittsburgh, PAType: Full time