Senior Software Engineer (Network Simulation)

Anduril Industries•Reston, VA

About The Position

If you are a Senior Software Engineer with deep expertise in networking, protocols, and system architecture to build and maintain sophisticated simulation environments that enable users to experiment with network operations and security testing in controlled settings. This role focuses on designing, developing, and operating realistic virtual machine environments that accurately emulate systems, networks, and behaviors. As a specialist in simulation and emulation, you will architect complex network topologies, and build representative system configurations. Your work will require both software engineering excellence and deep technical knowledge of operating systems, network protocols, and the behavioral characteristics of various platforms. With a "Whatever It Takes" mindset, this position demands strong C/C++ or Python development skills combined with hands-on experience in network engineering, virtualization technologies, and understanding how systems behave in operational scenarios.

Requirements

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
Experience with C/C++, Go, and other common Object-Oriented languages – C/C++ strongly preferred.
Deep networking knowledge including TCP/IP fundamentals, routing, switching, network protocols (DNS, DHCP, HTTP, SSH, etc.), and packet analysis
Hands-on experience with Linux system administration, including kernel configuration, service management, user permissions, and system hardening
Hands-on experience with containerization (Docker) and container orchestration (Kubernetes).
Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases
Strong problem-solving skills with ability to solve complex technical problems with little oversight
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder engagement
Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience with network security tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, nmap, or similar frameworks
Knowledge of penetration testing or red/blue team operations
Understanding of security testing techniques
Experience building cyber ranges, training environments, or CTF (Capture The Flag) infrastructure
Experience with distributed systems and multi-node simulation architectures
Knowledge of container networking (CNI, service mesh, network policies)
Experience with CI/CD pipelines for automated testing and deployment of simulation environments
Familiarity with embedded systems or IoT device emulation

Responsibilities

Software Development:
Write robust code to build simulation frameworks, orchestration tools, and custom system components
Develop software that controls VM lifecycle management, network configuration, traffic generation, and state management
Build instrumentation and logging capabilities to capture system and network behavior during exercises
Create APIs and interfaces that enable users to configure, launch, and interact with simulation environments
Experience with distributed systems
Simulation Architecture:
Design and build virtual machine environments that accurately simulate systems for security experimentation, including accurate network stacks, system configurations, and behavioral characteristics
Create realistic network topologies using virtualization and network emulation technologies to replicate operational environments
Develop modular, reusable VM templates and network configurations that can be rapidly deployed and customized for different training scenarios
Implement monitoring and observability solutions to track simulation health and user activity
Networking & Protocol Implementation:
Implement and configure complex network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, SSH, RDP, SMB, etc.) within simulated environments
Design network segmentation, routing, and firewall configurations that replicate enterprise networks
Troubleshoot network connectivity issues and ensure proper packet flow within virtualized network environments
Build traffic generation and network behavior emulation to create realistic network activity patterns

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.