Software Engineer

Software EngineerThe Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has an outstanding opportunity for a Software Engineer to join the Electronic and Photonic Systems (EPS) Department. This is a full-time Maryland-based position.Reporting to the Senior Principal Engineer, the Software Engineer will specialize in systems engineering for unmanned and unattended sensors. The person hired will play a critical role in the design, integration, and lifecycle management of novel autonomous platforms. This position focuses on Unmanned Systems (UxS) and Unattended Sensors, ensuring these technologies operate reliably in complex maritime environments. This position will work closely with the Technical Project Manager and the customer.This position will work throughout all phases of system development and integration from requirements gathering through final release and life cycle maintenance for major hardware and software components. The incumbent must have experience testing, integrating, and deploying a complex system of systems.

The candidate must be comfortable working at multiple location types such as offices, on-site naval testing facilities, or at sea. The candidate must be capable of troubleshooting complex problems in real time. The candidate must anticipate and identify potential technical issues and produce innovative solutions.Key Responsibilities:System Architecture & Design (20% FTE): Deconstruct high-level mission needs and customer objectives into system architectures, functional allocations, software interfaces, and integration concepts for unmanned systems, unattended sensors, and supporting mission software.Requirements Management (20% FTE): Work with the customer's Project Manager, Technical Project Manager, software developers, test engineers, and external stakeholders to elicit, refine, document, and maintain requirements for unmanned systems, unattended sensors, mission software, test tools, and integration environments.Technical Oversight (20% FTE): Provide technical oversight for software, autonomy, integration, and test activities supporting unmanned systems, unattended sensors, mission software, open-source tool evaluation, and supporting laboratory or field environments.Integration & Testing (20% FTE): Lead or support integration of software components, autonomy behaviors, sensor interfaces, communication links, test tools, and mission-system components in laboratory, simulation, customer-site, naval test facility, or at-sea environments.Collaboration (20% FTE): Work closely with Navy stakeholders, software developers, and external vendors to ensure interoperability with existing systems.Required QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical Aerospace, or related Engineering field AND 5-10 years' work experience.US Citizenship.Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Dept of Defense Top Secret-level security clearance.5+ years of software integration experience.5+ years of Linux experience, such as RHEL8.A federal security clearance is required to hold this position. The person hired into this position must be a U.S. citizen and successfully obtain and continue to maintain a Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Security Clearance.Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.Additional QualificationsHands-on experience with autonomous systems and logic.Proficiency in MATLAB and other modern programming languages (Python, C++, or Java).Strong verbal and written communication skills.Strong documentation and organization skills.Self-driven with the ability to take ownership and complete tasks with minimal guidance.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical Aerospace, or related Engineering field.About APL:The Applied Physics Laboratory is a research unit at the University of Washington.

Our research expertise is in ocean physics and engineering, ocean and medical acoustics and imaging, polar science, remote sensing, and signal processing. We conduct research and development that is sponsored by a variety of federal and state agencies and take great pride in our long-standing status as a US Navy-designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Our work takes place not only on the University of Washington campus and medical centers, but in field locations around the world – at sea, in the air, and on polar ice caps. We apply rigorous scientific inquiry and engineering excellence in pursuit of solutions to important problems for the good of our region, nation, and world.Compensation, Benefits and Position DetailsPay Range Minimum: $132,000.00 annualPay Range Maximum: $180,000.00 annualOther Compensation: -Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?: This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit: Not ApplicableAbout the UWWorking at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.Our CommitmentThe University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.