Senior Engineer, Software Systems

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee‑owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Engineer, Software Systems to join our team and lead critical aspects of system design, integration, and validation. This role requires a strong technical foundation, exceptional problem‑solving skills, and the ability to manage complex requirements while interfacing with customers and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who thrives in dynamic environments and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity, and technical depth.

This position can be based at our Falls Church, VA or Northridge, CA office and is a supervisory, exempt, full‑time position.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long‑Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work‑Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast‑paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Holds Top Secret clearance. SCI eligible.
• Validation & Verification Expertise:
  Experience in software and algorithm testing, including formal requirements validation, informal capability assessment, usability testing, algorithmic evaluation, and defect identification.
• Documentation & Logistics:
  Skilled in creating and managing technical documentation such as user guides, O&M manuals, and operational procedures.
• Systems Integration & Troubleshooting:
  Proactive problem solver with a strong grasp of internal and external system interfaces; capable of maintaining full domain knowledge across subsystems.
• Customer & User Engagement:
  Strong communication skills for interfacing with customers and end‑users to gather feedback and ensure system usability.
• Requirements Management:
  Ability to understand formal and informal requirements, write detailed product specifications, manage the RFC process, and negotiate requirements with stakeholders.
• Technical Leadership:
  Ability to act as a technical manager, guiding engineering teams and ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Information Management:
  Proficient in code and data management, including tracking metrics and maintaining configuration control.
• Advanced Technical Aptitude:
  Solid foundation in software development, mathematics, and physics; demonstrates curiosity, self‑motivation, and flexibility to adapt to evolving program needs.
• Preferred degree background:
  Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 9+ yrs. experience with BS/BA
• 7+ yrs. experience with MS/MA
• 4+ yrs. experience with PhD

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Experience with classified systems or secure environments.
• Familiarity with Agile development and Dev Sec Ops  practices.
• Knowledge of model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with Squish/Jenkins/GIT (or a willingness to learn)
• Basic knowledge and experience with C++/Python
• Involvement with systems integration, test, and performance verification within the IC

The annual salary range for this role is $140,000 to $170,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe…