Lead Software Engineer - Herndon

Salary: $135,000 - 230,000 per year Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, along with at least 9 years of relevant experience; a graduate degree with 7 years of relevant experience; or 13 years of equivalent experience in place of a degree.
• We are looking for experience leading software development teams.
• We need hands-on experience with C/C++ development and object-oriented design.
• An active U.S. Department of Defense Secret clearance is required.
• Preferred strengths include experience building Rust software.
• Preferred strengths include experience developing embedded software systems.
• Preferred strengths include object-oriented design and implementation experience, including exposure to software modeling and UML tools such as IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo.
• Preferred strengths include experience creating device drivers and Board Support Packages for real-time embedded systems.
• Preferred strengths include knowledge of Information Assurance and/or cryptography.
• Preferred strengths include familiarity with NSA Type 1 certification or other software certification standards such as DO-178.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are preferred.

• We support engineering team members in embedded software development, with a focus on Rust.
• We lead the adoption and rollout of Rust, including related techniques, design patterns, idioms, and tooling across multiple product lines.
• We apply computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to software development for target hardware.
• We collaborate with cross-functional engineering partners to define hardware/software interfaces, operational performance needs, and overall system design.
• We guide software development through all phases of the SDLC, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, hardware-software integration, and formal testing.
• We investigate the root causes of complex problems and implement fixes independently or with multidisciplinary teams.
• We develop test plans, procedures, and other technical documentation.
• We use modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data, run experiments, build prototypes, and assess outcomes.
• We take part in peer reviews and identify, track, and resolve defects.
• We write code primarily in Rust, C/C++, and Python for embedded real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, Linux, and Integrity.
• We mentor and review the work of more junior engineers.
• We may travel as part of the role.

• Cryptography
• Embedded
• Hardware
• IBM
• Support
• Linux
• Python
• Rust
• Security
• UML
• C++

More:

We are L3Harris Technologies, an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator delivering end-to-end solutions across the space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for mission-critical needs. Our SMS Segment is hiring a Lead Software Engineer for Embedded Software in Herndon, VA, working on-site with a 9/80 schedule that gives every other Friday off. We offer a minimum $10,000 sign-on bonus for candidates with Rust experience, with higher bonuses possible for additional credentials. Our compensation range for certain locations is $135,000 to $230,000, and we provide a benefits package that includes health and disability insurance, a 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintain a drug-free workplace, and support security clearance eligibility requirements where applicable.

last updated 34 week of 2026