Specialist, Software Engineering
The Specialist, 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 confidential client is seeking a hands-on Software Engineering Specialist to join a Space Systems engineering team. You will design, implement, test, and maintain software that supports integration, verification, and operational readiness of mission-critical hardware and systems.
- Participate across the full software development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, test, deployment, maintenance).
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to gather requirements, produce designs, and validate deliverables.
- Develop, review, integrate, and test software using C++, C, XML, and Python on Windows and Linux platforms.
- Support hardware integration and test activities: troubleshoot software/hardware interactions, resolve defects, and optimize performance.
- Apply software engineering best practices and DevOps processes to deliver reliable, maintainable solutions.
- Leverage automation, software reuse, and AI-enabled development tools to improve productivity and quality.
- Work on-site and coordinate closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineers.
- 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 a related field, plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; OR
- Graduate degree plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; OR
- In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
- At least 1 year of hands-on experience in one or more programming languages such as C++ or Python.
- Demonstrated experience with software integration, testing, troubleshooting, and delivering production-quality code.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. (Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.)
Preferred Additional Skills
- Experience with Atlassian toolchain (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket) or similar configuration/defect-tracking systems.
- Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum practices, backlog grooming, team facilitation).
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and CI/CD (Docker, Jenkins, CMake, git/Bitbucket, Artifactory).
- Experience with object-oriented architecture and UML (class, component, sequence, state diagrams).
- Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Copilot, Codex, Claude Code) to enhance coding, testing, and code review.
- Experience with SQL/NoSQL databases (Postgres, Elasticsearch, etc.).
- Experience with device drivers and hardware interfaces (PCIe, RS232, MIL-STD-1553, FPGA work).
- Background in space hardware test methodologies and complex system integration.
Work Schedule & Location
- This is an on-site role based in Fort Wayne, IN.
- Schedule: 9/80 work schedule (9 out of every 14 days; every other Friday off), or similar client-specific schedule as required.
- This role may require pre-employment background checks and drug testing where permitted by law.
Additional Notes
- This position supports defense and space programs and requires high-quality, mission-focused engineering discipline.
- The confidential client encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace.
- Security clearance requirements may limit eligibility to U.S. citizens; final hiring decisions will follow applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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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