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Software System Engineer

Avav

Annapolis Junction, MD, US$102k – $255konsite

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About this role

Worker Type

Regular Job Description

  We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer (SSE) for a unique, multi-disciplinary role that blends software development, Linux systems administration, systems engineering, and heavy RF-focused integration. The ideal candidate is a senior-level engineer who can design and develop complex software, administer and secure Linux-based systems, and support end‑to‑end solution operations in demanding, mission‑focused environments.

You will work independently and as a technical leader, providing direction to junior developers, supporting critical RF systems and associated infrastructure, and ensuring the reliability, availability, and security of operational solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Software Engineering

• Provide technical direction and guidance to junior developers across multiple projects.

• Reverse engineer existing software to enable modification, enhancement, and integration of new functionality.

• Perform modeling and design activities using Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.

• Develop and maintain complex, non-trivial applications using one or more of the following languages: C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash.

• Develop software applications and automation for Debian or other systemd-based Linux distributions, including advanced automation programs, system drivers, data processing scripts, and RF‑related utilities.

• Perform rapid software design and development in a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) environment to meet operational needs on short timelines.

• Solve varied software-related problems; design, develop, test, and deploy software on security‑sensitive / air‑gapped / cautious systems.

• Review software designs and implementations for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness with respect to objectives, budget, schedule, and security best practices.

Systems Engineering & Linux Systems Administration

• Work independently to ensure reliability, availability, and security of the overall solution by proactively monitoring systems, troubleshooting, and resolving issues to maintain high availability and continuity of operations.

• Oversee, maintain, and administer day-to-day operation of Linux-based compute and network environments, including hardware, OS, and application stacks.

• Diagnose hardware and software problems, replace/repair defective components, and coordinate with vendors when needed.

• Provide first-level and advanced computer/network support to the team, ensuring maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

• Maintain configuration management and baseline control for development, test, pre-production, and production environments.

• Operate and maintain the solution, including patching operating systems and COTS/FOSS/GOTS applications.

• Configure, manage, and maintain key solution components, including application servers, load balancers, databases, hypervisors, operating systems, RF-related appliances, and support infrastructure.

• Deploy systems in lab environments; integrate with other systems, perform testing, validation, and support transition to production.

• Manage, track, and maintain configuration items, including licenses, SSL certificates, and hardware/software baselines.

• Support baseline deployments, upgrades, and updates to production, including installation and configuration of new software and hardware.

• Conduct regular security scans, analyze results, implement remediations, and validate fixes.

• Create, maintain, and implement detailed documentation (system designs, runbooks, SOPs, build/patch guides).

Monitoring, Networking & RF-Focused Support

• Perform trend analysis on component failures, network/node outages, and system performance parameters; recommend and implement corrective actions.

• Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting (e.g., Nagios or similar) to ensure system health and performance.

• Support RF‑centric systems and applications, collaborating with RF engineers to integrate software, hardware, and network components into end-to-end solutions.

• Interact with software and hardware vendors to evaluate products and provide recommendations for hardware, software, and tooling purchases.

Required Qualifications • An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph

• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).

• Demonstrated experience applying DevOps concepts and tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage infrastructure as code, and ensure baseline consistency across multiple environments.

• Strong hands-on experience installing, configuring, securing, deploying, managing, monitoring, and maintaining complex hardware and software products across multiple environments (development, test, production).

• Strong Linux skills, especially on Debian or other systemd-based distributions, in both GUI-less and constrained environments.

• Thorough knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, and common network services.

• Experience supporting, installing, and configuring enclave Ethernet switches, SAN, and NAS.

• Experience with virtualization and hypervisors such as VMware ESXi and vCenter.

• Experience with KVM and related Linux virtualization technologies.

• Experience with Docker or equivalent containerization platforms.

• Experience managing and monitoring systems using tools such as Nagios.

• Experience with VPN technologies, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and/or Openswan, including secure configuration and troubleshooting.

• Familiarity with cellular modems on Linux platforms (configuration, troubleshooting, and integration into broader networking architectures).

• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and security-conscious environment.

• Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate technical concepts cle

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