Senior Software Systems Engineer

Senior Software Systems Engineer Location: Maryland / Washington DC Area (Hybrid - 2 days onsite) Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 base + Equity (RSUs) A growing engineering organisation operating in complex, mission-critical technology environments is seeking a Senior Software Systems Engineer to help drive alignment between software development, systems engineering, and program delivery. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and technical program leadership. The successful candidate will help coordinate high-impact software initiatives while ensuring engineering teams remain aligned with program objectives and system requirements. This is not a pure individual contributor position. Instead, the role is designed for someone who started their career as a software engineer and has since moved into technical leadership or program ownership, while still maintaining the technical depth needed to work closely with engineering teams. The Role You will act as a key technical bridge between software, systems, and hardware teams, helping to ensure complex programs move forward efficiently and remain aligned with engineering and delivery milestones. This position requires someone who can understand software architecture and development practices deeply enough to guide discussions and make informed decisions, while also coordinating stakeholders and driving progress across projects. You will operate at a technical leadership level, participating in architecture conversations, design reviews, and systems discussions while ensuring teams remain aligned with program priorities. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate software development initiatives across multiple engineering programs Translate system requirements into clear technical objectives for engineering teams Bridge communication between software, hardware, and systems teams Support architecture discussions, design reviews, and validation efforts Drive project planning, milestone tracking, and cross-team coordination Mentor and support engineering staff while maintaining technical credibility Maintain and interpret technical documentation including requirements, interface specifications, and test plans Help resolve technical blockers and ensure program delivery timelines are met Candidate Profile This role is best suited to someone who began their career as a software engineer and has since transitioned into technical leadership, systems integration, or technical program management. You should be comfortable operating between engineering and program leadership, translating complex technical topics while ensuring teams remain aligned and accountable. Required Experience Background in software development (C/C++, Python, Go, or similar) Experience leading engineering initiatives or technical programs Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and engineering best practices Experience coordinating cross-functional technical teams Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technical leadership, and program stakeholders Experience working with technical documentation such as requirements, design specifications, or test plans Preferred Experience Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other complex engineering environments Familiarity with real-time systems or embedded software environments Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams Exposure to systems engineering or hardware-software integration environments Personal Attributes Successful candidates tend to demonstrate: Strong technical curiosity and passion for engineering A proactive mindset with the ability to drive progress and resolve ambiguity Confidence engaging with technical leaders and engineering teams High attention to detail in both technical and program documentation Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs Working Environment Hybrid working model (2 days per week onsite) Collaborative engineering environment High exposure to complex technical systems and multidisciplinary teams Opportunity to influence major engineering programs

Created: 2026-03-10