Senior Associate, Software Engineering
The Senior Associate, Software Engineering at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions that support integration, testing, and operational readiness of complex defense and space systems. This hands-on role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable, efficient software using modern programming languages and DevOps practices in a mission-critical environment. The position is on-site and requires the ability to obtain a security clearance.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This is a hands-on, on-site software engineering role supporting integration, test, verification, and operational readiness of complex customer-deliverable hardware in a mission-critical environment. You will work on a multidisciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable software solutions.
- Participate in the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) to create software used for hardware integration and test.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, document, and refine software requirements and designs.
- Design, implement, review, integrate, and test software across Windows and Linux platforms using languages such as C++, C, XML, and Python.
- Support hardware integration and test activities, including troubleshooting, defect resolution, performance tuning, and technical problem-solving.
- Apply software engineering best practices and established DevOps processes to deliver maintainable, high-quality solutions.
- Leverage automation, reuse, and AI-enabled development tools to improve productivity, testing, and long-term reliability.
- Work on-site under a 9/80 schedule (9 out of 14 days; every other Friday off) and collaborate closely with engineering and test teams.
- Note: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field plus a minimum of 2 years of related experience; OR graduate degree with 0–2 years’ experience; OR a minimum of 6 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
- At least 1 year of professional experience with one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, or similar.
- Experience with software development and troubleshooting on Windows and/or Linux platforms.
- Demonstrated familiarity with the software development lifecycle, software integration, and test processes.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (clearances are typically granted only to U.S. citizens).
Preferred Additional Skills
- Experience with Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket) or similar configuration management and defect-tracking systems.
- Working knowledge of Agile methodologies, including Scrum practices and backlog management.
- Experience with DevOps and automation tools (e.g., Docker, Jenkins, CMake, git/Bitbucket, Artifactory).
- Strong object-oriented design and software architecture skills.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, Claude Code) to accelerate design, implementation, testing, and reviews.
- Familiarity with SQL/NoSQL databases (Postgres, Elasticsearch, etc.).
- Experience with drivers and hardware interfaces (PCIe, 1553, RS232, FPGA interfaces).
- Knowledge of UML and model-based design artifacts (class, component, state, sequence diagrams).
- Prior experience with space-hardware test methodologies, integration, and operations is a plus.
Other Important Details
- Location: On-site in Fort Wayne, IN (authoritative job location).
- Schedule: 9/80 work schedule (on-site).
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required; clearance eligibility typically requires U.S. citizenship.
- Hiring processes may include background checks and pre-employment screenings where permitted by law.
- This role will be posted and managed by Careertakes on behalf of a Confidential Client in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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