Research Software Engineer

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a hands‑on Research Software Engineer to join our Autonomous Systems team and build reliable, production‑quality software in support of advanced prototyping and experimentation (research background a plus but not required). This position is perfect for an engineer who thrives in ambiguity, works independently, consistently delivers tangible outputs, and is interested in supporting AI‑enhanced defense‑related applications and networking systems.

For this position, we're looking for a software engineer with solid experience in modern Java, Python and C/C++. The candidate must hold strong networking fundamentals and solid Linux‑based development experience.

Key responsibilities may include

• Design, build, and maintain software components supporting AI enhanced defense related applications and networking systems
• Develop clean, testable, maintainable code in Java, Python and C/ C++
• Implement and integrate services that interact with networked systems and data flows
• Translate loosely defined needs into working software: clarify requirements, propose approaches, execute, and iterate
• Produce clear technical artifacts such as design notes, readmes, diagrams, test plans, and implementation documentation
• Collaborate with various teams and programs while owning deliverables end‑to‑end

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a BS with 5+ years of experience, MS with 3+ years of experience or PhD with 1+ YoE in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field
• Demonstrated experience as a Software Engineer in a professional environment
• Deep expertise in modern Java with minimum of 5000 LoC development in Python and C/C++ in the last 5 years
• Solid networking fundamentals:
  • IP stack basics—TCP/UDP, sockets, DNS, routing concepts
  • Network config concepts—Subnetting, VLANs, interface configuration
  • Protocol layering and network architecture
• Proficiency with Linux, Git, and Docker for building, debugging, packaging, and running services/containers. Hands‑on Linux use within the past 2 years required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver working software in iterative cycles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (technical + well‑structured documentation)
• Candidates must be local to and willing to commute to our Basking Ridge, NJ location
• US Citizenship is a requirement for this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Java tools / frameworks such as Spring, Lombok and Map Struct
• Experience with Kubernetes
• Experience with microservices‑based architectures (e.g., service decomposition, API design, resilience patterns, observability)
• Familiarity with Publish / Subscribe systems such as Rabbit
  
  MQ and Kafka
• Familiarity with controlled lab/testbed environments
• Military domain experience specific to Command and Control (C2) systems, military communications and networking, and/or message formats/protocols
• Experience applying ML to cybersecurity or network analytics, such as:
  • Intrusion detection, anomaly detection, malware/behavior modeling
  • Cyber deception/defense concepts, telemetry analytics pipelines
• Evidence of technical impact beyond day‑to‑day delivery:
  • Open‑source contributions, patents, peer‑reviewed publications, or other research/engineering impact

Peraton is a next‑generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace.

The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit  to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.