Senior Software Engineer – Tactical Data and Autonomy (Onsite)
About The Position
As a Senior Software Engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA, you will work on advanced data layer and orchestration technologies that enable distributed autonomous systems to operate in complex tactical environments. This role focuses on developing mission-adaptive software, real-time intelligence workflows, and resilient decision-support capabilities that allow platforms to seamlessly share, prioritize, and act on critical information in DDIL (Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Latent) environments. You will contribute to advanced architectures supporting cross-platform coordination, autonomous mission execution, dynamic information flow, and resilient system behaviors across highly integrated aerospace and defense platforms. This is an opportunity to work on high-impact technologies that are shaping the future of autonomous operations and next-generation mission systems.
Requirements
- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
- Experience developing software in languages such as Python, C++, Go, or Rust
- Experience working with APIs, machine-to-machine communication frameworks, or cross-platform system integration
- Experience developing or deploying containerized applications using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, or similar orchestration platforms
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
- Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
Nice To Haves
- Distributed systems experience (data processing, event-driven or microservices, or low-latency architectures in constrained environments)
- Experience integrating AI/ML or analytics into operational or real-time software systems
- Experience with autonomous systems, multi-agent coordination, or mission-aware software architectures
- Experience working in communications-constrained, distributed, or resilient system environments
- Experience with modeling/simulation tools (AFSIM, RCADE) and/or DoD mission interfaces and standards (UDL, OMS, etc.)
Responsibilities
- Design and implement adaptive data layer components that manage how mission-critical information is collected, processed, prioritized, and shared across distributed autonomous platforms in communications-limited environments
- Develop platform processing pipelines that apply machine learning–based analytics and sensemaking to transform raw sensor data into actionable mission intelligence at the tactical edge
- Build decentralized orchestration and coordination capabilities enabling multi-platform collaboration, dynamic task distribution, sensing workload management, and resilient mission execution
- Implement mission-adaptive routing, synchronization, and information flow logic optimized for DDIL operational environments
- Develop intelligent decision-support mechanisms using predictive analytics, reinforcement learning-inspired behaviors, and value-of-information methodologies
- Support integration, simulation, and validation activities within laboratory and faster-than-real-time experimentation environments to evaluate orchestration performance and system adaptability under realistic mission conditions
- Collaborate across engineering teams to develop scalable, resilient autonomous system architectures supporting next-generation aerospace and defense missions
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Student Loan Repayment Program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
- Adoption Assistance
- Autism Benefit
- Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
- Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
- Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
- Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
- Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
