Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

SAIC is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Software Engineer to support advanced Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication systems for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Join our innovative team in San Diego, CA, and contribute to mission-critical efforts in cutting-edge defense communication technology development, integration, and testing.

This will be an ON-SITE role in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area.

Your Role

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor supporting the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for strategic RF and VLF communication systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design, develop, test, and integrate software solutions that directly support national defense communication missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain software for RF and VLF communication systems supporting U.S. Navy and Air Force operations.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C, C++, and Java.
• Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment.
• Work within Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver iterative software solutions on schedule.
• Develop and implement test procedures and scenarios for new and updated communication systems.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to support hardware/software integration and system configuration.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues during integration, implementation, and testing phases.
• Support FPGA development and integration efforts as needed.
• Contribute to waveform development and DoD communications system enhancements.
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to junior engineers.
• Interface regularly with management, customers, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and project success.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including software design documents, test plans, and configuration guides.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related field and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have an Active Secret Clearance.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
• 5-10 years of hands-on software development and engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages.
• Skills in establishing equipment configurations to meet operational requirements.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Master's degree in related Engineering or Science field.
• Background in RF Engineering, with preferred experience in VLF systems.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification.
• Experience with DoD VLF message processing systems.
• Familiarity with waveform development and DoD communications systems.
• Understanding of VLF communication concepts and experience working with similar strategic communication systems.
• Experience supporting DoD defense programs and navigating DoD development processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline. SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.