Sr. Principal / Staff Software Developer Lead

Description

The team builds mission planning systems as part of a large program.

The role covers the full software lifecycle within an Agile Scrum setup, from defining requirements and estimating through implementation, unit and integration testing, software and hardware integration, test documentation, test event support, and customer support.

The position is open at the Senior Principal Software Engineer or Staff Software Engineer level, based in Manhattan Beach, CA.

The company sees its work as building systems that matter for years to come, and it looks for people who bring fresh ideas, persistence, and curiosity.

You will work with internal and external teams and customers, so you should be a willing collaborator who takes on hard problems and drives toward solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional Agile/Scrum teams that design, build, test, and deliver mission-critical software across several contracts, keeping work aligned with software standards and architecture.
• Own and improve CI/CD pipelines, build processes, and development, test, and build environments so software can be deployed quickly and reliably.
• Oversee software installation, integration, and verification, including Windows installers, deployment artifacts, and traceability from requirements to tests (such as VCRM, test plans, procedures, and reports).
• Review build and test results, resolve technical problems with other teams and customers, and refine test and integration approaches to improve product quality.
• Lead software risk identification and mitigation, support program reviews, and provide technical input to ECPs and proposals, including estimates, scope, and technical approach.
• Work with systems engineering, program management, and other functional groups to meet company quality standards and the cost, schedule, and technical goals set by each contract.
• Mentor team members and push for automation and continuous improvement.
• All work is performed on site in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Requirements

• Sr. Principal Software Engineer (Level 4): a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related STEM field from an accredited university plus 8 years of related work experience, or a master's degree plus 6 years, or a PhD plus 4 years.
• Staff Software Engineer (Level 5): a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related STEM field from an accredited university plus 12 years of related work experience, or a master's degree plus 10 years, or a PhD plus 8 years.
• US citizenship and a current DoD Secret clearance adjudicated within the last 5 years, plus the ability to obtain Top Secret and SAP access.
• Experience with Agile methods and CI/CD tools and practices such as Bamboo or Jenkins.
• Strong development skills in C and/or Java, object-oriented design, and scripting in languages such as YAML, Python, PowerShell, Batch, or TypeScript, along with Microsoft Windows technologies and version control systems such as Git, Bitbucket, or CVS.
• Hands-on skill in troubleshooting systems and clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access through a Program Access Request (PAR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain later SAP PARs after starting, so you can fully support the statement of work.
• Nice to have: proficiency in C,.NET, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and Windows-based applications, with experience applying software design patterns.
• Nice to have: experience building microservices and using service communication protocols such as gRPC and/or REST, relational databases and SQL, and the Atlassian tools (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence, Crucible/FishEye).
• Nice to have: familiarity with Azure and/or AWS, Docker and/or Kubernetes, DevOps and Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Chef, or Puppet, and working with requirements in DOORS.
• Nice to have: strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills, a record of driving process improvements, and prior mission planning experience such as JMPS Framework or Air Force mission planning.
• Nice to have: an active Top Secret clearance adjudicated within the last 5 years, CompTIA Security+, and an Agile credential such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM).
• Nice to have: current SCI/SAP access.

Conditions

Relocation assistance may be available.

A active Secret clearance is required before you can start.

The role involves no travel.

Base salary for the Primary Level ranges from $142,200.00 to $213,400.00, and for the Secondary Level from $177,000.00 to $265,600.00. Final pay depends on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions.

The application period is estimated at 20 days from the posting date, but it may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.

Benefits

• Depending on the role, you may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus on top of base pay.
• Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and let you share in company results.
• Vice President and Director roles may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.
• Health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid company holidays, and paid time off for vacation or personal business.