Leonardo DRS

Senior Principal Algorithm Software Systems Engineer

Leonardo DRS$150K — $233K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of relevant experience, with 6 years specifically in detection and tracking algorithms
  • Bachelor's or Master's in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related field
  • Expertise in real-time missile detection and tracking for defense applications
  • Proficient in Kalman filtering techniques for missile tracking
  • Strong programming skills in languages like Julia, C++, Python, or MATLAB
  • Experience with algorithm development and testing in simulation environments

Responsibilities

  • Serve as technical authority for detection and tracking algorithms for OPIR space payloads
  • Lead cross-disciplinary teams on algorithm development and system integration
  • Conduct performance analysis and validation of algorithms using simulations and real-world data
  • Research emerging technologies in missile detection and tracking for development enhancement
  • Design and optimize real-time algorithms for missile detection focusing on advanced filtering, target detection, and trajectory estimation

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • Employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • Parental leave benefits and tuition reimbursement
  • Professional development support and career-growth programs
  • Flexible work schedules under the 9/80 program and wellness initiatives
Full Job Description
Job ID: 114982
Location: Cypress CA
Schedule: 9/80


Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Algorithms Software Engineer to join our advanced defense systems team. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in real-time missile detection and a strong foundation in Kalman filtering and related estimation techniques. This role requires strong technical ownership to oversee and guide the development and implementation of sophisticated algorithms to accurately determine target trajectories and velocities in highly cluttered environments, ensuring robust track custody and target discrimination.

Job Responsibilities

Provide subject matter expertise and act as the technical authority for detection and tracking algorithms used on current and future overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) space payloads.

Lead cross-functional teams and oversee the technical work of algorithm development and integration into existing systems and platforms.

Conduct performance analysis and validation of algorithms using simulation tools and real-world data.

Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies in missile detection and tracking to inform ongoing development efforts.

Contribute to the design, development, and/or optimization of real-time algorithms for missile detection and tracking, focusing on:
  • Advanced filtering techniques
  • Target detection in complex scenarios
  • Trajectory estimation and state determination
  • Maintaining track custody over multiple targets
  • Implement advanced filtering and estimation techniques to enhance detection accuracy and reduce false alarms in cluttered environments.


Qualifications

Required

10+ years of related experience (6 years of direct experience in detection and tracking algorithms)

Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Demonstrated subject matter expertise with real-time detection and tracking algorithms for defense applications.

Proficiency in Kalman filtering techniques and their application to missile tracking.

Strong programming skills in engineering languages such as Julia, C++, Python, or MATLAB.

Experience with simulation tools and environments for algorithm development and testing.

Preferred

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience with sensor fusion and multi-target tracking systems.

Demonstrated experience developing detection and tracking algorithms for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) applications.

Familiarity with infra-red imagery, multi-spectral imagery, or digital signal processing.

Knowledge of machine learning techniques applicable to target detection and classification.

Existing security clearance, TS preferred.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $150,452/year-$233,578/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. Focused on defense technology, we develop, manufacture and support a broad range of systems for mission critical and military sustainment requirements, as well as homeland security. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. which employs more than 45,000 people worldwide. We offer a competitive compensation package and a business culture that rewards performance. For additional information on Leonardo DRS, please visit our website at www.leonardodrs.com.
Learn more about Leonardo DRS
Size
11,000 employees
Market Cap
$3.1 billion
Industry
Founded
1968
5 Year Trend
+55.7%
NASDAQ

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