> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2212567-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2212567-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Cutlass Systems Engineering LLC - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Client Server Models, Code Review, Information Systems, Software Debugging, Linux, DevOps, Issue Tracking Systems, Systems Analysis, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Network Programming, Object-Oriented Software Development, Software Tools, Distributed Simulation, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, TCP/IP, Multithreading, High Performance Computing, Information Technology, Modeling and Simulation, Build Process, Software Coding, Software Version Control - **Published:** August 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9113171/principal-software-engineer ## About the Role * A Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related discipline * US Citizenship and an active Secret security clearance * 8+ years of professional software development experience or 6+ years of professional software development experience with a relevant Master's degree or PhD * Advanced experience with Object Oriented design/development in a high-level language such as Java, C++, or Python * Advanced experience developing in a Linux environment * Experience with a full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes (pipelines), and testing * Must be able to obtain/maintain TS/SCI Clearance., * Experience with distributed simulation systems (HLA, DIS, or TENA) * Familiar with issue tracking systems like JIRA * Familiar with SecDevOps or DevOps methodology and practices * Experience with RF, IR, EW and/or missile models, including experience with signal propagation, clutter, guidance/autopilot, aerodynamics, antennae, and signal processing * Experience with client/server network programming (TCP/IP and UDP) * Understanding in dealing with such issues as multithreading, non-blocking and asynchronous I/O. ## Description Cutlass Systems Engineering is a small firm specializing in Modeling and Simulation. We are looking to augment our team working with the Naval Research Laboratory to develop a shared technical framework for M&S of Navy combat systems. Cutlass provides technical leadership to systems engineering, integration, and operation of the M&S: we are empowered and proactive. Work is in an R&D setting with freedom to forward new ideas and bring them into reality. Innovation is encouraged. Results directly impact ships and maritime systems to help protect sailors and improve our Navy. We offer flexible hours, telecommuting options, excellent benefits, and zero bureaucracy. This position is for an on-site Principal Software Engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C., to support development, integration, and execution of a series of simulations used for system-of-systems analysis. We expect you to be able to lead a Team that will: * Design, develop, and maintain simulation models that represent real world maritime systems. * Design and develop software to advance a high-performance computing framework that controls the interaction and automation of simulations. * Define and implement the exchange of data and events between simulations while maintaining interoperability and portability across computing platforms, operating systems, and communications systems. * Design, develop, test, debug and maintain application programming interfaces for external / 3rd-party systems or software. * Architect and implement prototype software tools for controlling simulations, extracting/reducing data, visualization of data, and system-of-systems analysis. ## Related Videos - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [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) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)