Software Engineer (C++ / VxWorks - Defense Domain)

Senior Software Engineer (C++ / VxWorks - Defense Domain)

Location: Dahlgren, VA (Hybrid)


Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent


Industry: Defense & Aerospace


Vendor Fee: 10%


Compensation: Competitive Salary (Best in Industry) + Full Benefits


Work Authorization: U.S. Citizens Only


Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance Required

Position Overview


We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to join a premier Defense & Aerospace organization supporting safety-critical missile and weapon system programs. This hybrid position based in Dahlgren, Virginia offers the opportunity to work on advanced Aegis Weapon Systems and mission-critical defense technologies.


The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in C++ development, VxWorks real-time operating systems, and defense-related software engineering. This role will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of software supporting missile systems, weapon systems, and associated test equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test safety-critical software for missile and weapon systems.
• Develop software solutions supporting Aegis Weapon Systems and related test platforms.
• Write robust, efficient, and maintainable software using C++.
• Develop and support applications running on VxWorks real-time operating systems.
• Perform hardware and software integration activities for missile simulators and test equipment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure compliance with defense and safety requirements.
• Participate in software verification, validation, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support system-level integration and operational testing efforts.
• Maintain technical documentation and software development artifacts.

Required Qualifications

Education

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

Technical Skills

• Strong hands-on software development experience using C++.
• Experience developing software on VxWorks RTOS environments.
• Knowledge of real-time embedded software development principles.
• Experience working with SMP (Symmetric Multi-Processing) and multi-core architectures.
• Experience with software integration and testing in complex hardware environments.

Security Requirements

• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance (Mandatory).
• Ability to maintain security clearance throughout employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and within highly technical engineering teams.
• Experience working in safety-critical software development environments.
• Understanding of software lifecycle processes and defense industry standards.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid Federal Holidays.
• Career growth opportunities supporting cutting-edge defense technologies.

Ideal Candidate


The ideal candidate is an experienced defense software engineer with deep expertise in C++, VxWorks, and real-time embedded systems who has worked within classified defense environments and possesses an active DoD Secret Clearance. Candidates with direct Aegis, missile systems, or weapon system integration experience will be highly preferred.