Senior Numerical Algorithm Software Engineer

SciTec•Boulder, CO

About The Position

SciTec, a subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a defense contractor specializing in advanced technologies for U.S. National Security and Defense. For over 45 years, SciTec has supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques for missile defense, intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance, space domain awareness, and aircraft survivability missions. SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts requiring U.S. citizenship and cannot sponsor work visas. This role involves supporting programs focused on low-latency data processing, fusion, and tracking algorithms for remote sensing systems. The ideal candidate will be proficient in multiple software languages, work collaboratively in a fast-paced, small-team environment with Scientists, Engineers, and Developers, and be able to prototype and develop advanced algorithms for integration in C++ on Linux operating systems within government frameworks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
8+ years of experience developing numerical algorithms for signal processing, image processing, or sensor data exploitation (or 6+ years with a Master’s, 4+ with a PhD).
Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing algorithms in Python and C++.
Strong foundation in numerical methods, linear algebra, probability/statistics, and optimization techniques.
Experience working with real-world sensor data (e.g., EO/IR, SAR, RF, or multi-modal systems).
Proven ability to evaluate algorithm performance, including error analysis, validation, and benchmarking.
Experience working in Linux-based development environments and modern software development practices (version control, testing, CI/CD).
Ability to work effectively in Agile or iterative development environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (active clearance preferred).

Nice To Haves

PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Experience with advanced signal/image processing techniques (e.g., detection, tracking, estimation, inverse problems, or computer vision).
Familiarity with machine learning frameworks and integration of ML models into operational pipelines.
Experience optimizing algorithms for performance (e.g., parallel computing, GPU acceleration, memory optimization).
Knowledge of DoD or Intelligence Community mission systems, especially related to remote sensing or space-based sensors.
Experience transitioning algorithms from research/prototype to production/operational environments.
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience with modeling and simulation environments supporting sensor system development.
Prior experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior engineers.
Active DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead the research, development, and maturation of advanced numerical algorithms for remote sensing data exploitation across multi-modal sensor systems (e.g., EO/IR, SAR, RF).
Design, implement, and optimize high-performance algorithms in Python and C++, with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and operational robustness in mission environments.
Architect and develop end-to-end signal processing, image processing, and data exploitation pipelines from prototype through production deployment.
Advance modeling, simulation, and machine learning toolchains, including development of reusable frameworks and infrastructure to support algorithm evaluation and integration.
Define and execute quantitative performance assessments of algorithms and sensor systems, including error characterization, sensitivity analysis, and validation against real-world data.
Collaborate cross-functionally with software engineers, system architects, and mission stakeholders to integrate algorithms into operational systems and ensure mission alignment.
Provide technical leadership within Agile development teams, including mentoring junior engineers, driving best practices, and contributing to shared codebases and tools.
Support proposal efforts, technical roadmaps, and customer engagements by articulating algorithmic approaches and differentiators.
Ensure compliance with mission assurance, security, and software quality standards applicable to DoD environments.
Other duties as assigned.