Lead Software Engineer
Herndon, Virginia
Job ID 35516L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Lead, Software Engineer
Job Code: 35516
Job Location: Herndon, VA (on-site)
Schedule: 9/80 Regular Schedule (Every other Friday off)
L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
About L3Harris Technologies:
L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The successful candidate will be based at our Herndon-VA office (onsite). We develop advanced sonar systems and support software that enables system control, data acquisition, and analysis. Work includes software requirements development, software test and integration, and both application‑level and embedded C/C++ development, including Linux‑based GUI and system control work. The role also involves UI and embedded software development for equipment operating in diverse environments such as factory, depot, laboratory, and shipboard settings.
In addition to technical contributions, this position supports the day‑to‑day activities of the Software Engineering Group by providing technical guidance, assigning tasks, participating in complex engineering efforts, reviewing and approving formal documentation, and estimating labor, tools, and other resources to meet budget and schedule commitments. A strong understanding of UI design on Windows and Linux platforms is preferred, and additional hardware‑related responsibilities may be assigned based on skill set.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and implement software using C/C++ and C#.
- Execute assigned projects and tasks involving software design, documentation, verification, and validation for sonar systems.
- Perform technical reviews, design analyses, and the development and selection of hardware and mission‑critical software.
- Modify and enhance existing software for operational systems or test facilities.
- Conduct analyses for computer hardware and software development or implementation; structure work to enable clear progress assessment.
- Provide independent validation and verification of design concepts and implementation approaches.
- Develop, test, and document software code, and support integration into higher‑level assemblies as required.
- Perform software configuration management to ensure all code reflects the current version and revision level.
- Implement review and oversight procedures to evaluate design activities for compliance with customer requirements, company standards, engineering best practices, and quality system procedures.
- Ensure assigned tasks meet technical, schedule, and quality requirements. Identify and report issues, recommending corrective actions or alternatives when cost or schedule risks are identified.
- Prepare design review materials in support of SRR, PDR, CDR, and other technical audits.
- Foster and maintain positive relationships with customers, suppliers, colleagues, industry groups, government agencies, and the community.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer / Electrical, or Electronics Engineering or equivalent and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
- 5+ years of experience designing and implement software in C/C++, C# languages.
- At least 2 years of experience in embedded software, and user interface (UI) software development on Windows and Linux desktop platforms
- At least 2 years of practical knowledge of project management.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within the job area, with comprehensive knowledge and skills in a specific technical discipline and a broad understanding of related functions.
- Professional experience in project management, software metrics, team leadership, and EVMS.
- Ability to independently contribute to software requirements development, software testing and integration, and the creation of both application‑level and embedded C/C++ code on Windows-based and Linux‑based systems, including GUI and system‑control development.
- Experience creating and presenting proposals, including developing and reviewing cost estimates and proposal packages.
- Ability to present proposals and program execution status to internal executives, program managers, and customers.
- Contributions to the development of new technologies and processes, including submitting ideas for IRAD efforts and supporting the execution of funded IRAD and Internal Order projects.
- Strong background in software development, with the ability to prepare and deliver technical presentations to management and customers.
- Proven track record of successfully leading large project planning and development activities.
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS:
- Understanding of user interface (UI) elements, tools, and development techniques.
- Experience with Linux OS configuration, including kernel modifications, drivers, and U‑Boot.
- Familiarity with multiple programming languages such as C/C++, C#, VB, Verilog, Java, and Structured Text/PLC.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret and clearly communicate engineering plans and specifications, with solid knowledge of engineering theory and design criteria.
- Excellent general computer skills and ability to quickly learn new hardware and software applications.
- Experience using and configuring networking equipment.
- Ability to write concise technical reports documenting findings.
- Strong human‑relations and collaboration skills.
- Knowledge of Kafka or similar event‑streaming platforms.
- Experience with TCP and UDP socket networking.
- Linux development experience.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $135,000 - $250,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
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