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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Autonomy Software Engineer - **Company:** Str Limited - **Location:** Arlington, VA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $174,000.0 - $225,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Design, Apple IOS, C++ (Programming Language), Software Quality, Software Debugging, Linux, Digital Electronics, Dynamic Program Analysis, Hyperspectral Imaging, Live Virtual and Constructive, MATLAB, Machine Learning, Network Protocols, Software Architecture, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, Multithreading, Real Time Systems, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Modeling and Simulation, Operational Systems, C++14, Multiplatform, Software Version Control - **Published:** July 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9011418/autonomy-software-engineer ## About the Role * Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance * Strong proficiency in modern C++ development, including multi-threaded applications * Experience with test-driven development and CI/CD practices * Familiarity with cross-platform development (Windows, Linux, iOS) and version control workflows * Experience with hardware/software integration * Minimum of 2 years relevant experience with PhD, 5 years with MS, or 7 years with BS * Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government Even Better: * Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance * 5+ years of C++ programming experience with open architecture systems * Experience with safety-critical software architectures * Experience with real-time software development and algorithm optimization * Familiarity with network protocols and debugging * Familiarity with relevant open standards such as OMS/UCI and A-GRA * Experience with software quality tools (static/dynamic analysis, automated testing frameworks) ## Description The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation. The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the mission success of US air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems & operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs. The Role: As an Autonomy Software Engineer in the SAAM group, you will work as a part of high-performing teams focused on autonomy development and mission systems integration within demanding customer environments. You will ensure that these teams are executing at a high level to develop robust, fielded solutions that also lay the groundwork for future programs to build on. What you will do: * System Development: leverage mature hardware systems and develop code to integrate them together, collaborating with SMEs across STR to leverage advanced algorithms where needed * System Test: work closely with test leads in the SAAM group to leverage testing capabilities across M&S and live test, leveraging Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) infrastructure * Leadership: lead small, focused teams to implement and test real-time applications featuring open architecture software principles, implementing real-time systems in Modern C++ from verified algorithms written in higher-level languages such as MATLAB * Customer engagement: support potential and current customer discussions to better understand their requirements and shape product development ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Dev Digest 137 - AI'm not sure about this](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/485-dev-digest-137-ai-m-not-sure-about-this) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)