Software Engineer / Manager - 1459

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions... that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented and motivated Software Engineer / Manager to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on both new and long-standing programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation in a team-focused environment.

Core Responsibilities:

Software Engineer (80% - 90% time):

• Design and develop new software applications based on customer and program requirements
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to gather and refine software requirements
• Maintain and enhance existing applications, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and new feature development
• Document software designs and development procedures in a clear and consistent manner
• Promote and contribute to a culture of collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives, respectful debate, and shared technical ownership
• Provide accurate technical task breakdowns, level-of-effort estimates, and cost assessments to support planning and program management
• Participate in and/or lead code reviews, architecture discussions, and design reviews

Engineer Manager (10% - 20% time):

• Support and advocate for experienced software team members, enabling them to thrive and innovate
• Mentor and guide early-career software engineers, fostering their technical growth and integration into the team
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and healthy debate is encouraged
• Create technical forecasts, define level-of-effort estimates, and provide software development cost inputs for program planning and proposals
• Define individual work scopes, delegate tasks effectively, and track progress to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables
• Partner with department head and division leadership on strategic planning efforts to expand software capabilities; identify skill gaps, write job descriptions, and support hiring efforts
• Conduct regular feedback sessions and perform annual performance reviews to support the professional development and recognition of software staff
• Oversee timesheets, safeguarding precise hour-tracking and compliance with organizational standards

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field - or equivalent industry experience
• 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering roles
• Proficient in C++ and C#, with a strong grasp of object-oriented programming principles
• Familiarity with Qt for cross-platform GUI development
• Experience developing and maintaining multithreaded C++ applications
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies (e.g., Scrum or Kanban)
• Proficient with version control systems (Git and/or SVN), branching strategies, and CI/CD best practices
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies and hands-on experience with unit testing frameworks such as Google Test, QTest, or CPPUnit
• Experience using code quality tools such as Cppcheck and Pylint
• Familiarity with relational databases, particularly MS SQL
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in dynamic, cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 25 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience leading teams, with a proven ability to balance hands-on work and people management
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance
• Experience with:
• Python for development
• RESTful APIs (design, consumption, or testing)
• Performance testing and profiling tools
• Proficiency with Visual Studio and associated toolchains
• Understanding of UI/UX principles and user-centered design approaches

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $105,000 to $165,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.