Demo

Principal Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS
Germantown, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 7/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/9/2026

Principal Software Engineer - On-site

Location:

Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 114271

The expected pay scale for this position is $130,801/year - $203,068/year.


DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Job Summary

Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Principal Software Engineer where you'll drive technical vision and architect transformative solutions across our entire product ecosystem. We're seeking a distinguished engineer who can seamlessly bridge the gaps between software, hardware, product strategy, and manufacturing while delivering innovative, secure solutions. In this role, you'll serve as a technical visionary and hands-on architect, collaborating across teams to design and implement mission-critical systems that scale with our rapid growth, all while embracing our collaborative, ego-free culture that values results over hierarchy.

Your deep technical expertise, proven ability to solve multifaceted engineering challenges, and talent for aligning diverse teams will be crucial as we partner with major defense contractors and scale our impact in the industry. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company.

Job Responsibilities

  • Be Involved with the design, development, analysis, testing and debugging of computer software applications and/or systems.
  • Be ready to learn about Image and Signal Processing, Real-time, Firmware, Database Design, Operating Systems, and more.
  • Take ownership of the outcome and the journey there: budget, costs, estimated schedules, leadership.
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required.
  • Be a team player and provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers, support personnel, and teach others on the team.
  • Be able to work with clients, product, hardware, and other teams.
  • Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge.
  • Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience.
  • Fluency in c/c .
  • Experience working with Realtime operating systems.
  • Experience or be willing to learn: Matlab, Python, Linux, React, Node, and other languages.
  • Ability to lead a technical group independently.
  • Open to occasional travel.

U.S. Citizenship required.


Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS:

  • Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan.
  • Wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
  • Offer programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement.
  • Offer flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Learn more about us!

  • https://www.leonardodrs.com/careers/
  • https://www.leonardodrs.com/careers/why-work-at-ldrs/



Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity

- Agility

- Excellence

- Customer Focus

- Community & Respect

- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

Salary : $130,801 - $203,068

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