Software Engineer Lead

Overview

i3 is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Software Lead to join our Launched Effects (LE) team within the Command, Control & Effects (C2E) Product Office within the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office. In this critical role, you will provide technical leadership and oversight for the development, integration, and sustainment of software systems for advanced LE UAS platforms. This position requires a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, cybersecurity principles, and system architectures, specifically within the context of DoD acquisition processes.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Team Collaboration:
  • Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and architecture specialists, providing technical guidance, support, and professional development.
  • Collaborate closely with program management, system engineers, and stakeholders to define software requirements, deliverables, and project timelines.
  • Facilitate effective cross-functional team communications, ensuring that cybersecurity and architecture priorities are understood and integrated across the UAS program.
  • Drive innovation in UAS software design by staying up-to-date with emerging technologies in cybersecurity, software architecture, and UAS-specific regulatory standards.
  • Provide expert guidance on software development methodologies, best practices, and industry standards.
  • Oversee the development, integration, testing, and deployment of UAS LE software systems.
  • Ensure software solutions meet relevant performance, reliability, and security requirements.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity strategies to protect UAS software and systems from external threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.
  • Ensure that all software solutions comply with government cybersecurity requirements, standards, and regulations (e.g., NIST, DoD, or FAA guidelines).
  • Oversee vulnerability assessments, threat modeling, and penetration testing efforts, and guide teams to implement necessary remediations.
  • Establish and enforce secure software development practices (e.g., Secure DevOps, coding standards, threat detection) within the development team.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that all software components meet data integrity, confidentiality, and availability requirements.
  • Stay abreast of emerging cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities relevant to UAS.
• Software Architecture & Development:
  • Lead the design and development of robust, scalable software architectures for UAS, including real-time and distributed systems.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering teams to align software architecture with overall UAS design requirements, standards, and protocols.
  • Ensure modularity, maintainability, interoperability and efficiency of software components, allowing for streamlined updates and future feature expansion.
  • Guide software design reviews and validation processes, ensuring high code quality and adherence to applicable standards.
  • Ensure alignment between software architecture and overall system architecture.
  • Support the development of interface control documents and data exchange standards.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Oversee the creation of technical documentation, ensuring that architectural decisions, cybersecurity measures, and testing procedures are thoroughly documented.
  • Generate regular reports for stakeholders on software performance, cybersecurity posture, and architectural health.
  • Present findings, progress updates, and security status to Senior Army leadership.
  • Contribute to the development of airworthiness certification documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related Engineering field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Demonstrated experience with UAS software development and integration.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with cybersecurity principles and practices in the context of embedded systems.
• Familiarity with system architecture frameworks and design patterns.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and airworthiness regulations.
• U.S. Citizenship.

• Active DoD Secret Clearance (with eligibility for Top Secret).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) .
• Experience with Agile DevSecOps practices.
• Hold relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+).

Skills:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in software development tools and technologies.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and networking technologies.

About i3

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!