Demo

Lead Software Engineer – Collaborative Autonomy and Controls

systemstechnologyresearch
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/10/2026

About the Team

STR’s Analytics C2 Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our team consists of passionate, motivated individuals with degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use our expertise and creativity to take innovative ideas from conception to mature implementation in order to improve mission success of our customers.

The Collaborative Autonomy and Controls (CAC) Group in the Analytics Division is focused on collaborative autonomy for multi-agent reconnaissance systems operating in multiple domains. By leveraging expertise with machine learning, advanced algorithms, and software development best practices, we build tools that can make a difference in mission planning, autonomous systems reasoning, tracking of illicit activities, and more.

The Role:

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will work as part of a tightly knit team to design, develop, implement, and demonstrate advanced algorithms and software systems. You will provide technical leadership and mentoring on programs working throughout the software lifecycle, from early prototypes to integrated systems. Your work will develop a diverse set of software tools and applications for mission planning systems, automated enterprise control processes, unmanned platforms, DevSecOps, and CI/CD pipelines.

This position will take advantage of STR’s flexible, hybrid environment – when the work does not require use of STR’s facilities, you are welcome to work remotely. 

Who You Are:

  • Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
  • BS in Computer Science or related technical field with 7 years’ experience
  • 8 years in-depth OOP experience with Java and/or C
  • Proven understanding of data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization
  • Proven ability to lead small to medium size agile teams in overall software design, definition/status/completion of tasking, mentorship of junior staff, accountability to both internal leadership and customers
  • Experience utilizing the following:
    • Micro-service architectures
    • DevOps and CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab)
    • Containerization/orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
    • Agile software lifecycle methodologies and tools, such as Confluence, JIRA and Sonarqube (Static analysis)
    • Test-driven development methodologies and familiarity with a layered test strategy (unit, component, system, nightly tests). 
  • A demonstrated ability to adopt new languages, libraries, and technologies

Even Better:

  • MS or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field
  • Experience in one or more of the following: motion planning, perception, localization, mapping, controls, and related system performance metrics
  • Domain experience in ISR Sensors, Tracking, or Mission Planning
  • Python fluency
  • Experience with Kafka, Protobuf, REST
  • Experience with reinforcement learning (RL) training pipelines, deployment scripting & automated analysis
  • Active Security Clearance

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Software Engineer – Collaborative Autonomy and Controls in Arlington, VA
$134,510 to $163,700
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Lead Software Engineer – Collaborative Autonomy and Controls?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Lead Software Engineer – Collaborative Autonomy and Controls career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$123,167 - $152,295
Income Estimation: 
$146,673 - $180,130
Income Estimation: 
$123,167 - $152,295
Income Estimation: 
$146,673 - $180,130
Income Estimation: 
$146,673 - $180,130
Income Estimation: 
$176,149 - $220,529
Income Estimation: 
$176,149 - $220,529
Income Estimation: 
$156,679 - $196,968
Income Estimation: 
$97,257 - $120,701
Income Estimation: 
$123,167 - $152,295
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at systemstechnologyresearch

  • systemstechnologyresearch Woburn, MA
  • About the Team STR’s Intelligence division researches and develops advanced analytics and machine learning-based solutions to solve challenging problems re... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • systemstechnologyresearch Arlington, VA
  • About the Team: STR’s Analytics C2 Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our tea... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • systemstechnologyresearch Arlington, VA
  • About the Team STR’s Intelligence Division researches, develops, and transitions advanced analytics and machine learning-based solutions to solve challengi... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • systemstechnologyresearch Arlington, VA
  • About the Team STR’s Intelligence division researches and develops advanced analytics and machine learning-based solutions to solve challenging problems re... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Lead Software Engineer – Collaborative Autonomy and Controls jobs in the Arlington, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Applied Intuition Washington, DC
  • About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. Founded in ... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • LEAD Technical Ashburn, VA
  • Senior Network Operations Engineer Location: Ashburn, VA Employment Type: Full-time, On-site with 24/7 Escalation Availability About the Role LEAD Technica... more
  • 11 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!