Computer Engineer III

Agile Defense
McLean, VA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for experienced DoD software engineers who manage complex systems and work with simulation technologies, and who are based in the U.S. and can travel for operational projects.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 10+ years of DoD software development and systems engineering experience in naval combat systems
    — “Ten (10) years of professional experience in one or more of the following fields: Software development; or Computer Networks; or Systems Engineering with an emphasis on software development and integration.”
  • Individuals with deep knowledge of real-time messaging and simulation architecture standards like DDS, HLA, and DIS
    — “Demonstrated experience with simulation architecture standards such as High Level Architecture (HLA) and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS)”
  • Professionals with a Master's degree in engineering or computer science and a proven track record in managing full software lifecycles
    — “Master's level degree in one of the following areas: Computer, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering; Computer Science; Information Systems Management, or; Systems Engineering”

Things to consider

  • Travel is required up to 20% of the time, including both CONUS and OCONUS locations
    — “Must be able to travel up to 20% CONUS & OCONUS”
  • U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance are mandatory prerequisites
    — “Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active Secret clearance at minimum”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with Navy Combat Systems like Aegis, SSDS, and NAVSSI in your resume and interviews
    — “Demonstrated specialized experience performing work in each of the following Naval System areas: Aegis, SSDS, NAVSSI, GPNTS, BFTT / ATD”
  • Emphasize your ability to manage DoD software projects from start to finish in your application materials
    — “Demonstrated experience managing DoD software projects from cradle to grave”
  • Showcase familiarity with IEEE and industry standards in your professional background
    — “Demonstrated knowledge of IEEE and other industry standards/best practices”
  • Demonstrate expertise in C, C++, and Java by providing concrete examples of past work
    — “Demonstrated experience with C, C++ and Java”
  • Include experience with version control and source code management tools in your resume
    — “Demonstrated experience managing software version control and/or software source code base management”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • design and develop complex DoD software
  • manage software version control
  • deliver reliable solutions
Typical background
Master's degree in Computer, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Dod Software ProjectsReal-time MessagingSimulation TechnologiesC, C++, JavaDod Training Systems

Preferred

Model-based Systems EngineeringVirtualization Technologies

Stack & domain

Dod Software ProjectsIEEE StandardsCombat System DesignComputer System ArchitectureC, C++, JavaReal Time MessagingData Distribution Service (dds)Simulation ArchitectureHigh Level Architecture (hla)Distributed Interactive Simulation (dis)Software Version ControlSoftware Source Code ManagementDod Training SystemsTraining Tool DevelopmentComputer ArchitectureRed Hat LinuxVirtualization TechnologiesVmwareRHEVModel Based Systems Engineering SoftwareAegisSSDSNavssiGpntsBFTT / ATDLeadershipCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkAttention To DetailSystems ThinkingIntellectual HonestyCuriosityEmpathyDecision-makingAmbitionInnovationEthicsDefenseSoftware DevelopmentTraining SystemsSimulationArchitecture DesignReal-time MessagingVirtualizationModel-based Systems EngineeringDod Standards

About the role

Original posting from Agile Defense via Lever

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Job Description:

Agile Defense is seeking a Computer Engineer III with comprehensive experience designing, developing, and managing complex DoD software and training systems. The ideal candidate will possess strong engineering expertise across computer architecture, simulation technologies, real‑time messaging, and Navy Combat Systems, delivering reliable, high‑performance solutions in demanding operational environments.

  • Demonstrated experience managing DoD software projects from cradle to grave
  • Demonstrated knowledge of IEEE and other industry standards/best practices
  • Demonstrated experience in Combat System design, core technologies and Combat System training
  • execution
  • Demonstrated experience in Computer System architecture design and development
  • Demonstrated experience with C, C++ and Java
  • Demonstrated experience with real time messaging products such as Data Distribution Service (DDS)
  • Demonstrated experience with simulation architecture standards such as High Level Architecture (HLA) and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS)
  • Demonstrated experience managing software version control and/or software source code basemanagement
  • Demonstrated experience with DoD training systems and training tool development
  • Demonstrated experience in the following areas:
  • Computer Architecture
  • Red Hat Linux
  • Virtualization Technologies such as:
  • VMWare and RHEV
  • Model Based Systems Engineering Software
  • Demonstrated specialized experience performing work in each of the following Naval System areas:
  • Aegis
  • SSDS
  • NAVSSI
  • GPNTS
  • BFTT / ATD

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's level degree in one of the following areas: Computer, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering; Computer Science; Information Systems Management, or; Systems Engineering
  • Ten (10) years of professional experience in one or more of the following fields: Software development; or Computer Networks; or Systems Engineering with an emphasis on software development and integration.
  • Must be able to travel up to 20% CONUS & OCONUS
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active Secret clearance at minimum

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.

Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.

Honest - Be Trustworthy.Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.

Humble - Be Grounded.Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.

Hungry - Be Eager.Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.

Hustle - Be Driven.Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Source: Agile Defense careers (Lever)

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