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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - Advanced Simulation & Training Systems (Onsite) - **Company:** RTX - **Location:** Sterling, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $118,300.0 - $224,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), IBM Rational ClearCase, Software Debugging, Perl (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Microsoft Visual Studio, Object-Oriented Software Development, Software Engineering, Subversion, Windows Desktop, Multithreading, Scripting, Git, Linux Development, Gitlab-ci, Modeling and Simulation, Software Version Control, Devsecops - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/144DEDBBD4E44F28BE63D20F8EF6A145/job/ ## About the Role * Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience * Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date * Must have previous experience working with C++. * Have experience with agile development practices and general software engineering design principles Qualifications We Prefer: * Prior experience with training simulations * Familiarity with common training and avionics protocols (ARINC 429, ARINC 610, MIL-STD-1553, etc.) * Excellent written and oral communication skills * Familiarity with Windows and Linux development environments * Candidate exhibits leader-like qualities and has a willingness to share their knowledge and build up their peers * Experience using Visual Studio * Familiarity with DevSecOps and Agile development methodologies * Strong OOP and C++ language skills including STL, Templates * Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) * Usage of source code control tools (GIT, SVN, ClearCase, etc.) * Usage of ALM tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible) * Usage of GitLab CI/CD tools within software development processes ## Description We are searching for a Principal Software Engineer to join our team in Sterling VA within the Strategic Defense Solutions (SDS) business area. Our teams develop and build highly realistic simulators and training systems for both military and commercial customers. We deliver highly specialized training for some of the most demanding jobs in aviation. Devices range in complexity from desktop training all the way to high fidelity weapon system and full-flight training systems including full visual motion and simulator interoperability. In this position, you will become a technical subject matter expert for the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi-platform training device software and their associated user interfaces. This position requires a highly skilled individual who can step onto a team and quickly come up to speed on complex systems, who is also comfortable dealing with customers and program leadership. We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a team-oriented environment, demonstrates leadership qualities, and is passionate about mentoring peers and advancing technical excellence. Candidates with agile development experience and the desire to grow into agile leadership roles are strongly encouraged to apply! This position requires an active US security clearance. Most aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence. What You Will Do: * Design, develop, integrate, and test software on cross-functional agile teams to deliver solutions within budget, scope, and schedule constraints * Exhibit ownership of and accountability for committed objectives * Assist in analysis and decomposition of features * Make and influence decisions which impact cost, schedule, and technical performance at a program level * Highly motivated software development focal who is able to drive strong technical solutions and decision making * Perform multi-threaded software debugging * Work independently with limited supervision * Mentor early-career engineering peers to advance their ability to contribute to team objectives * Demonstrate leadership qualities in your everyday work - Be a positive focal for your team, recognize peers' accomplishments, and help onboard junior team members. * Perform and lead bidding and proposal activities to support the acquisition of new business * Contribute to software and systems engineering requirements capture and analysis * Travel to domestic and international customer sites to support training events and product installations ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [DevSecOps: Injecting Security into Mobile CI/CD Pipelines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/273-devsecops-injecting-security-into-mobile-ci-cd-pipelines) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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