> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4721992-lead-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4721992-lead-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). --- # Lead Software Engineer - **Company:** Str Limited - **Location:** Arlington, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $180,000 - $220,000 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Design, Computer Vision, Continuous Integration, Distributed Computing Environment, Distributed Systems, FFmpeg, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, OpenCV, RabbitMQ, Software Engineering, ZeroMQ (Concurrent Programming Libraries), Software Organization, Performance Testing, Real Time Systems, Data Ingestion, Pytorch, Backend, Git, Information Technology, Real Time Data, Apache Kafka, Machine Learning Operations, Software Version Control - **Published:** November 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_84ab0fc91 ## About the Role * Motivated collaborator who takes pride in the craftsmanship of their solutions and demonstrates strong ownership throughout the lifecycle of development * Ability to implement and evaluate novel prototype solutions, and work with a team to mature promising prototypes into operational capabilities * Strong proficiency in python and demonstrated ability to generate clean, high quality code both with and without coding tools * Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control (Git), testing at scale (CI/CD), and agentic coding best practices * BS Degree in a scientific field such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or Physics with 8+ years of relevant experience. Equivalent experience will be considered. * Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government Even Better * Development experience with advanced messaging or real-time processing tools like RabbitMQ, Kafka, or ZeroMQ * Experience with integration of computer vision algorithms and image processing tools (e.g., Pytorch, OpenCV, ffmpeg) * Experienced in leading and directing research initiatives from inception to functional prototypes * Experience working in a large cross-functional, distributed team * Experience with US Government software accreditation processes * Active security clearance ## Description As a Lead Software Engineer, you will use your software development expertise to operationalize advanced algorithms across a broad range of computer vision programs. You will integrate Python-based machine learning pipelines with complex systems and ensure they are resilient, maintainable, and user-focused. Collaborating closely with project leads and customers, you will: * Translate stakeholder requirements into system features and components in a deployable AI/ML solutions stack * Develop new user-facing features and implement robust backend architectures to support them. * Build, maintain, and test messaging systems, such as real-time data workflows and distributed processing pipelines. * Optimize software for data ingestion, transformation, and intelligent storage/retrieval pipelines. * Maintain and improve workflows for distributed systems, ensuring reliability and performance testing in operational environments. * Participate in cross-program collaboration, adapting to diverse projects and tools. Our work involves projects of national significance, and the ability to work on-site in one of our Dayton, OH, Woburn, MA, or Arlington, VA locations (depending on candidate preference) will be required.