Lead Software Engineer

Posted:
2/17/2026, 7:53:29 AM

Location(s):
Virginia, United States ⋅ Ashburn, Virginia, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Software Engineering

Lead Software Engineer- Defense Solutions

Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group.

As our Lead Software Engineer, you will oversee and perform the design, development, enhancement, and testing of complex software for embedded processing products used in US DoD and other secure applications. The Lead Software Development engineer also serves as a technical expert who drives architecture decisions, resolves advanced software issues, and ensures high-quality solutions that are aligned with product, customer, and business needs.

Location: Ashburn, VA

Salary Information: $ 108,900.00 - $145,200.00 per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge:

  • Participate in discussions and analyze marketing and product line managers’ product plans and requirements and generate the software specifications and requirements for new products and enhancements to current products. Assist in Bids and Proposals (B&P) efforts, including generating engineering labor and material estimates based on requirements and defined scope of effort.

  • Collaborate with systems engineering and hardware development teams, and work with technical staff to create sustainable solutions and develop resolutions for software and/or hardware problems.

  • Plan, design, develop, and test new embedded computing software or complex enhancements to existing software for embedded systems based on specifications, and in compliance to industrial, military, and aerospace standards.

  • Implement and integrate, or debug embedded software including bootloaders (BIOS, SlimBootLoader and U-Boot), device drivers (Linux and VxWorks), customized applications and embedded test software, and product simulation and production test software.

  • Diagnose and resolve advanced software defects by collaborating with cross-functional technical staff and applying expert-level analytical and troubleshooting skills

  • Evaluate and respond to customer-reported issues, recommending and implementing software modifications or enhancements to improve functionality and user experience

  • Assist in the development of software design and test documentation, and user manuals.

What You Bring:

  • U.S. citizenship and active US DoD Clearance required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.

  • 8–12+ years of progressive software development experience, including ownership of complex applications or subsystems. 5+ years’ experience developing software systems and 4+ years software project lead experience

  • Competencies in computer architecture, development of real-time embedded software, and engineering process discipline.

  • Hands-on and demonstrable experience with software development using C/C++, Linux (Red Hat, LynxOS, WindRiver), VxWorks (7.x), Linux and VxWorks device drivers, Scripting(bash/csh), high-level application software, Python, LabVIEW and IPMI.

  • Hands-on and demonstrable experience with development tools such as IDEs (Visual Studio, Eclipse-based), AMD/Xilinx Vivado/Vitis, Petalinux, GCC, CMake, Yocto, and MS Office.

  • Hands-on and demonstrable experience with with Intel x86 Processors, ARM, and AMD Zynq MPSoCs.

  • Knowledge and experience with protocol/standard, e.g., Ethernet, Infiniband, RDMA, PCIe Gen3/4, SPI, I2C, and RS232/RS422

  • Hands-on and demonstrable experience with laboratory debugging equipment and tools, e.g., Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, and JTAG emulators

  • Proficiency with requirements management (IBM Rational DOORS), source code control (git, Bitbucket), JIRA, & Confluence

  • Familiarity with GreenHills Multi SW Development Suite, COSMIC SW Development Suite, ClearQuest, VectorCAST, LabVIEW

  • Familiarity with virtualization concepts and LynxOS Hypervisor preferred

  • Full software lifecycle development experience in accordance with DO-178C and CMMI

  • Fundamental understanding of software regression testing/verification

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

  • Proven ability to interface with customers, resolve escalated technical issues, and translate feedback into actionable improvements.

  • Familiarity with industry guidelines and standards for engineering processes

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.

To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.