> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2791678-senior-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2791678-senior-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). --- # Senior Software Engineer - **Company:** The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC - **Location:** Laurel, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $105,000.0 - $290,000.0 - **Contract:** Contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), CMake, Code Review, Software Debugging, Embedded C, Embedded Software, Game Engine, Inter-Process Communication, JSON, Python (Programming Language), Live Virtual and Constructive, OpenShift, Software Architecture, Queueing Systems, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Data Processing, Multithreading, Scripting, High Performance Computing, Real Time Systems, Sysadmin, Gitlab, Git, Build Management, Linux Development, Gitlab-ci, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Rancher, Modeling and Simulation, Slurm, C++14, Devsecops, Docker - **Published:** September 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9148436/senior-software-engineer ## About the Role The Weapon Systems Engineering group at APL is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to prototype, integrate, test, and deploy next-generation software for advanced weapon and missile defense systems, simulations, and test environments. You'll work at the intersection of embedded software, large-scale simulation, and cloud-native deployment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and analysts. Prior defense experience is not required; experience with real-time systems, game engines, high-performance simulations, or systems-of-systems software frameworks is highly relevant., * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field * 5+ years professional software development experience * Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or later) * Direct experience with Python 3 (tooling, scripting, data processing) * Linux development experience (compiling, debugging, shell tools, basic system admin for development) * Experience with multi-threaded/concurrent software, including: * Threads, async/futures, or similar concurrency approaches * Inter-process communication (message queues, JSON, sockets, gRPC, etc.) and performance considerations * Experience with Git and branch-and-merge workflows (feature branches, merge/pull requests, code review) * Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. Special Working Conditions: Occasional travel to sponsor, contractor, or government facilities for meetings and reviews. Occasional support of test events involving extended hours, travel aboard ships and travel to field sites. You'll stand out if you have one or more of the following: * Master's degree or higher in CS, CE/EE, Physics, Math, or related field * Embedded C/C++ or in-flight/real-time software experience * Experience with AFSIM, EADSIM, or similar simulation frameworks (game engines, robotics simulators, custom modeling) * Hands-on experience with Docker and/or Podman * Experience deploying/operating services on Kubernetes (e.g., Rancher, OpenShift) * Deep experience with CMake and/or Conan * Practical experience with GitLab CI/CD (authoring and maintaining pipelines) ## Description Are you a seasoned software engineer who enjoys building high-performance systems, working close to the hardware, and solving sophisticated problems with modern tools?, * Provide technical expertise for design and implementation of mission-critical software or software architectures across: * + In-flight / tactical software using a modular open systems architecture (MOSA) + Modeling and simulation (including AFSIM and similar frameworks) + Systems-of-systems and Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) test environments * Develop, build and deploy simulations for: + Containerized / Kubernetes environments + High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments (e.g., SLURM) * Contribute to DevSecOps and GitLab-based workflows * Provide technical leadership, mentor others, and collaborate across disciplines ## Related Videos - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Tips and Tricks for Working with JSON](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1229-tips-and-tricks-for-working-with-json) - [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) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Introducing JSON Structure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100219-introducing-json-structure) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [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) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)