Software Engineer

The MITRE Corporation•McLean, VA

1d•$129,200 - $193,800•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is focused on advancing immersive technologies, modeling and simulation, and systems engineering to deliver innovative software solutions for complex sponsor challenges. MITRE is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, and deliver software for extended reality (XR) applications, modeling and simulation environments, and the systems engineering tools that support them. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic, multi-disciplined organization — partnering with human-centered designers, systems engineers, and researchers — to prototype and mature capabilities that translate operational needs into deployable solutions. MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day—working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent) and a minimum of 3 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience; or a PhD with relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and work experience
Demonstrated, hands-on experience developing software across the full development lifecycle using modern programming languages such as C++, C#, Python, or Java
Experience developing extended reality (XR) applications – augmented, virtual, or mixed reality – using real-time engines or frameworks such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or equivalent
Experience with modeling and simulation, including the design, development, or integration of simulation environments, physics-based models, or digital representations
Foundational experience applying systems engineering principles – such as requirements analysis, architecture, integration, and verification – across the software or system development lifecycle
Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with a demonstrated ability to learn and apply new tools and technologies

Nice To Haves

Experience developing immersive training, visualization, or simulation applications for operational or research use
Familiarity with XR hardware platforms (e.g., Meta Quest, Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap, or similar head-mounted displays) and their associated SDKs
Proficiency with real-time 3D engines and associated toolchains (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender)
Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methods (e.g., SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw)
Experience integrating distributed simulation or interoperability frameworks (e.g., DIS, HLA, or digital twins)
Proficiency across a broad software stack with version control and collaborative development practices (e.g., Git, CI/CD)
Experience applying Agile or Scrum methodologies and collaborative software development practices
Active or current DoD or federal government security clearance

Responsibilities

Leading the design, development, and delivery of software for extended reality (XR) applications – augmented, virtual, and mixed reality – from prototype through deployment.
Building, integrating, and extending modeling and simulation environments to support analysis, training, and systems design.
Applying systems engineering principles throughout the software development lifecycle to ensure solutions are well-architected, traceable, and aligned to sponsor requirements.
Developing reusable software components, reference implementations, and prototypes, and promoting their adoption across teams.
Collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams – including human-centered design, systems engineering, and research staff – to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
Evaluating and integrating emerging XR hardware, real-time 3D engines, and simulation frameworks to advance engineering capability.
Providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers while engaging directly with sponsors and stakeholders.