C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineer - Boulder, CO

As a C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineer at SciTec, your main responsibilities will include implementing advanced algorithms for remote sensor data exploitation, optimizing existing image analysis and tracking algorithms, and collaborating within an Agile development team. You'll also engage in software design and architecture, contribute to the team's shared tools, and handle other duties as assigned to ensure the success of our national defense projects.

To qualify for the C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineer position at SciTec, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science. Additionally, a minimum of five years of professional experience with fluency in C++, as well as three years on Linux operating systems, are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in data structures, GPU programming, and good verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred skills for the C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineer role at SciTec include expertise in high-throughput processing optimization, experience in the analysis of remotely sensed data, and advanced knowledge of modern object-oriented design principles. Familiarity with C++ standards 14, 17, and 20, fluency in additional programming languages like Matlab, Rust, or Python, and a current active DoD SECRET security clearance are also advantageous.

Working as a C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineer at SciTec means being part of a collaborative and agile team that values input from all members. The environment fosters rapid prototyping and development, ensuring that you can easily integrate and test innovative software solutions while participating in meaningful discussions that drive project success. It's a place where you'll find support and encouragement as you tackle important challenges in national security.

SciTec offers an attractive benefits package for its C++ Staff / Sr. Staff Software Engineers. This includes a competitive salary ranging from $108,000 to $145,000, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a fully vested 401K contribution. Other perks include generous paid time off, flexible work hours, annual profit-sharing, and paid parental leave, making it a rewarding environment both professionally and personally.

It's essential to remain up to date with the latest advancements in C++. I recommend following C++ communities online, participating in forums such as Stack Overflow, and attending specialized conferences. Reading technical books and blogs focused on C++ developments is also helpful. Demonstrating your knowledge during the interview by discussing recent C++ features or changes shows your commitment to professional growth.

When answering this question, aim to provide a concise description of the project, your role, and the challenges faced. Be specific—highlight how you approached problem-solving and what technologies or methodologies you employed, particularly focusing on C++ applications. Conclude by mentioning any successful outcomes or what you learned from the experience.

Discuss specific algorithms you’ve implemented and the context in which you used them. Whether it was for data processing or image analysis, explain how these algorithms enhanced performance or functionality. Use metrics or examples to quantify your contributions, demonstrating your ability to leverage C++ for practical applications.

In your answer, briefly summarize the notable features of each version. For example, C++14 introduced generalized lambda capture and binary literals, while C++17 brought in std::optional and std::variant. C++20 further enhanced features by including modules and concepts. Showing an understanding of these changes demonstrates your depth of knowledge and ability to write modern C++ code.

Talk about specific strategies you've used to optimize code, such as algorithmic improvements, reducing memory usage, and utilizing efficient data structures. Discuss profiling tools you've employed to identify bottlenecks. Providing examples of successful optimization projects will showcase your practical experience in this area.

Explain your approach to code quality through best practices such as code reviews, unit testing, and adherence to coding standards. You might mention using tools for static analysis or linting. Strive to convey the importance of maintainability and how clear documentation and modular design contribute to it.

Describe your experience with Agile methodologies, discussing how you prioritize tasks, participate in stand-ups, and utilize retrospectives. Emphasize your ability to iterate rapidly and respond to changing requirements while maintaining collaboration with team members to ensure project alignment and progress.

Outline the key principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Use examples from your experience to describe how you've implemented these concepts in C++, demonstrating your understanding of how OOP enhances code organization and reusability.

Mention debugging tools you are comfortable with, like GDB, Valgrind, or integrated development environments (IDEs) with robust debugging features. Explain how you use these tools to trace issues, generate logs, and streamline the debugging process, which is essential for maintaining quality in your projects.

Talk about the strategies you employ to manage your time effectively under pressure—such as breaking tasks into smaller pieces, prioritizing critical features, or relying on established templates and libraries. Stress the importance of maintaining quality through quick iteration and diligent testing, even under tight deadlines.