Software Engineer (Active Top Secret Preferred)
This role involves designing and optimizing advanced algorithms and building scalable backend systems for next-generation sensor technologies in a high-performance computing environment. The Software Engineer will collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to enhance scientific codebases, implement GPU/CUDA acceleration, and maintain complex software on Linux/Unix platforms. The position requires strong expertise in C/C++, parallel processing, and a solid foundation in mathematics or physics, with a focus on technical excellence and continuous development.
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, Social Networking Platforms.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Software Engineer to design and deliver high-performance backend software for advanced sensor and scientific computing systems. You will work closely with scientists and engineers to translate mathematical and physical models into production-ready code that runs efficiently in distributed and GPU-accelerated environments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (scientists, engineers, product) to define technical approach and deliver high-impact solutions
- Design, develop, test, document, and maintain high-performance C/C++ backend systems for scientific computing
- Improve and refactor legacy scientific codebases for scalability, maintainability, and performance
- Translate and optimize algorithms for parallel execution and GPU/CUDA acceleration
- Implement and tune distributed and parallel processing solutions (MPI, multithreading, shared memory)
- Build and maintain reproducible Linux/Unix development and CI workflows for performance-critical code
- Produce clear technical documentation and assist in knowledge transfer across the engineering team
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to software engineering best practices
Required Qualifications
To comply with program and security requirements, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field with 4+ years of backend software development experience, OR Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience; equivalent professional experience will be considered
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance; active Top Secret clearance is strongly preferred
- Strong expertise in C/C++ for large-scale, performance-critical backend applications
- Practical experience with high-performance computing, parallel and distributed processing (MPI, multithreading)
- Hands-on GPU programming and optimization experience (CUDA)
- Solid foundation in advanced mathematics or physics and ability to implement mathematical models in code
- Proficiency with Linux/Unix development environments and common toolchains
- Experience with scientific programming, algorithm development, and system-level problem solving
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Top Secret clearance (preferred)
- Familiarity with Agile development processes and modern software architecture patterns
- Experience with Git/GitLab, MATLAB, and Fortran (helpful for legacy scientific code)
- Knowledge of AI/ML and LLM concepts as applied to scientific data processing or algorithm acceleration
- Demonstrated experience optimizing multi-threaded and shared-memory applications
Location & Work Authorization
- Work location: San Diego, CA (on-site or as required by program. See posting header for details.)
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements. Employment is subject to background investigation and clearance adjudication.
Why Join
Confidential Client offers the chance to work on technically challenging, mission-driven projects with talented scientists and engineers. You’ll have opportunities to:
- Solve large-scale performance and algorithmic problems that impact real-world systems
- Advance your skills in C/C++, GPU acceleration, and distributed computing
- Contribute to a collaborative engineering culture that values technical excellence and continuous learning
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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