Software Engineer, Directed Energy
Date: Nov 28, 2025
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Remote, United States
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 26201
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $78,406.00 - $170,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
Employee Referral Amount: $1,000.00
Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
Job Description
We're at the forefront of developing next-generation directed energy solutions that are transforming modern defense capabilities. Our work on the U.S. Army's Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) weapon systems program represents a significant investment in the cutting-edge technology designed to counter emerging threasts. We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Software Engineer to provide technical leadership to the development of cutting-edge Directed Energy (DE) systems. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and integration of the complex software that controls and operates these systems. Your expertise will be instrumental in driving the architectural decisions and mentoring a team of talented engineers. Applicants must be willing to consider an in-office work schedule.
We are hiring across multiple levels and welcome applicants with a range of professional experience. Whether you are early in your career or bring several years of expertise, we encourage you to apply.
Targeted Salary Ranges:
Software Engineer Levels 2-4 - $78,400 - $195,000
Essential Job Responsibilities
• Lead the architectural design, development, and maintenance of real-time embedded software for the command and control of high-energy laser and high-power microwave weapon systems.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level software engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to define and author software requirements, system architecture, and interfaces.
• Supervise the full software development lifecycle, from conceptualization and requirements analysis to deployment and in-field support, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Design and implement complex algorithms for critical functions such as beam control, target tracking, atmospheric compensation, and system performance monitoring.
• Determine operational feasibility by evaluating analysis, problem definitions, and proposed solutions.
• Drive the creation and execution of comprehensive testing strategies, including unit, integration, and system-level tests to ensure software reliability and performance.
• Lead code reviews and ensure that all software development adheres to rigorous quality standards, coding standards, and cybersecurity protocols.
• Contribute to the strategic development of technology roadmaps and advise on emerging technologies and industry best practices and manage project priorities and deliverables, ensuring that projects remain on schedule and within budget.
Minimum Qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and industry standard communications protocols
• Demonstrated experience in leading software development projects or teams.
• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded software development.
• Expert knowledge of software engineering principles, including requirements analysis, architectural design, testing, and configuration management.
• Experience working within government contracts.
• Technical and problem-solving intuition.
• Ability to anticipate and mitigate programmatic implications of software challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with government stakeholders, company leadership, and technical subject matter experts in a wide range of disciplines.
• Self-motivated with strong work-ethic.
• Clearance: Must be able to obtain a SECRET security clearance.
• Mid Level: 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 0 years experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience.
• Mid to Senior Level: 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Senior Level: 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
Preferred Requirements
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry.
• Expertise in modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Proficiency in other programming languages such as Python.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing and simulation.
• Experience in risk management.
• Experience with Open Systems Architectures.
• Experience with distributed systems, network programming, and containerization technologies like Docker.
• Experience working within Department of Defense contracts.
• A strong commitment to mentoring and the professional development of team members.
• Clearance: Active SECRET security clearance.
Physical Requirements
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.