Senior Principal Software Architect (Counter UAS)

What You Will Do

We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Architect to lead the design, development, and sustainment of secure, mission-critical software systems supporting Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS). This role requires hands-on leadership of a development team, deep expertise in full-stack software architecture (front-end to back-end), Linux-based systems, and designing platform-agnostic APIs with secure machine-to-machine communication interfaces. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in secure DevSecOps, CI/CD implementation, DoD compliance (e.g., RMF, STIGs), and delivering robust, scalable software solutions in classified defense environments.

This position plays a pivotal role in guiding software strategy, leading a team of developers, and ensuring the delivery of secure, reliable, and compliant systems to meet complex operational needs. The Senior Principal Software Architect is expected to manage complex requirements and distribute tasks to a team of developers. Mentor team members to provide guidance on design decisions. Perform code reviews and manage a complex software baseline. Provide quarterly software releases across a suite of mature products. Assist in identifying new hardware components to support additional mission requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, architectural vision, and hands-on technical depth across multiple domains, including software engineering, system integration, and mission assurance.

On any given day, the selected candidate may be asked to:

• Lead architectural planning, design, and implementation of complex software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define high-level technical solutions.
• Establish coding standards and review development best practices.
• Guide the selection and integration of appropriate technologies.
• Manage Planning, Development, Test, Deployment of quarterly releases for a mature software baseline.
• Oversee system scalability, performance, and security considerations.
• Troubleshoot high-level technical issues and provide root cause analysis.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide leadership during development cycles.
• Create architecture documentation and maintain code repositories.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and evaluate their application to business goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering.
• 15 years professional software development experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in Java, Python, Bash scripting, and C++.
• Expert-level knowledge of Debian / Ubuntu based operating systems.
• Strong background in Linux/Ubuntu environments.
• Proficient in Docker containerization and orchestration practices.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with MySQL and relational database design.
• Demonstrated ability in backend system development and web architecture.
• Strong knowledge of microservices, REST APIs, and distributed systems.
• Solid understanding of system design principles, architecture patterns, and DevOps pipelines.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring development teams.
• Proven experience in creating and maintaining enterprise software packages that run at high scale.
• Current TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.

Salary Range: $179,426 - $215,121 annually

• The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors, including but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity, as well as alignment with market data.
• Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees' total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

ABOUT US:

Being on the BlueHalo/AV team means working alongside the brightest minds in technology on the toughest challenges facing our nation, not just occasionally, but every single day. Together, we are leading the transformation of modern warfare, and each BlueHalo/AV employee plays a key role. That's why our investment in you goes beyond a rewarding salary and benefits package. We're committed to providing our people with the best opportunities to develop their skills, share their knowledge, and push their innovative ideas to the cutting edge. From Space and Directed Energy to Cyber and Intelligence to C4ISR and Air & Missile Defense, there is no limit to where you can take your career with us. Are you ready to launch a career at BlueHalo?

If you are seeking a career that has tremendous impact beyond any one individual, then come be a part of our leadership team and all programs supported across the division. We are producing cutting edge advanced RF and directed energy technologies from assembly, integration, and test across the site.