Carnegie Mellon University

Senior Software Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 10+ years experience (or 8 with MS, 5 with PhD)
  • Hands-on expertise in C++ and browser-supported languages (C#, Java, Angular)
  • Experience in software architecture for mission-critical systems
  • Strong background in developing and maintaining software documentation and project artifacts
  • Familiarity with DoW acquisition programs, legacy systems, and software engineering best practices
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance (existing clearance preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Support software acquisition and sustainment aligned with DoD 5000-series guidance
  • Provide expertise for mission readiness applications
  • Analyze lifecycle artifacts of planning applications
  • Advise on software design decisions and modernization strategies
  • Lead software development efforts from concept to deployment
  • Create design artifacts for scalable and maintainable solutions
  • Build prototypes to inform acquisition decisions and reduce risk

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance and generous time off
  • 8% monthly retirement plan contribution without personal contribution
  • Tuition benefits for employees and dependents
  • Paid parental and military leave
  • Relocation assistance and additional perks like free transit passes
  • Fitness center access and childcare navigation assistance
Full Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support U.S. Department of War customers in acquiring and sustaining a mission-critical, software-based mission planning and readiness applications essential to national security operations.

In this role, you will provide software development support across the full software acquisition lifecycle, including architecture analysis, development oversight, risk reduction, integration, and long-term sustainment planning. You will work closely with Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), sustainment organizations, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure delivered capabilities meet operational, maintainability, and long-term supportability requirements.

The ideal candidate combines deep, hands-on expertise in C++ and browser supported languages. Additionally, development experience supporting Army, Air Force, Navy and Space Force acquisition programs, legacy-dependent systems, and operational environments is key. You will integrate with technical teams, evaluate architectural tradeoffs, develop prototypes, analyze existing source code, and support customer engagements that inform acquisition and sustainment decisions.  Join us in advancing the engineering of mission-critical systems that protect and support those who serve.

What You’ll Do

  • Support DoW software acquisition and sustainment efforts in alignment with DoD 5000-series guidance, including architecture analysis, engineering, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment planning
  • Provide software development expertise for a DoW planning and readiness application supporting mission readiness
  • Analyze lifecycle artifacts associated with two or more planning applications and propose methods to combine them into a common baseline
  • Advise and develop prototype capability for government stakeholders on software design decisions, technical risks, modernization strategies, and tradeoffs associated with large, legacy-dependent systems
  • Lead software development efforts from concept through deployment, with an emphasis on C++ and browser supported languages like C#, Java, and Angular.
  • Demonstrate software architecture expertise by developing and maintaining design artifacts such as data-flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, interface control definitions, and quality attribute specifications to support scalable, maintainable, and resilient solutions
  • Analyze existing source code, interfaces, and data flows to identify technical debt, sustainment risks, and modernization opportunities
  • Build prototypes and technical demonstrations to reduce risk, inform acquisition decisions, and mature emerging capabilities
  • Lead and mentor development teams, promoting disciplined engineering practices, continuous improvement, and mission focus
  • Support customer engagements such as technical interchange meetings (TIMs), design reviews, and acquisition milestone activities, providing clear, defensible technical input
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, software engineering best practices, and digital modernization initiatives relevant to sustainment and maintenance systems

Who You Are

  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance; an existing SECRET or higher clearance is preferred
  • Experience leading, architecting, or developing large-scale acquisition programs
  • Experience with developing mission and safety critical embedded software applications
  • Experience supporting major DoW acquisition organizations
  • Proven experience designing and implementing complex software architectures for mission-critical or sustainment-focused systems based on new and existing system and software requirements with varying levels of uncertainty
  • Proven experience in developing new and maintaining existing software documentation artifacts with emphasis on views and models across the full Software Development Lifecycle through modern tools and approaches
  • Proven experience in structured verification and validation activities in planning and execution of system and software level test activities
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and balance architectural drivers, tradeoffs, extensibility, and long-term maintainability
  • Experience across the full software development lifecycle, including use of static analysis tools and associated coding standards to improve quality and security
  • Demonstrated success leading technical teams and engaging credibly with government and contractor stakeholders
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to senior government decision-makers
  • Willingness to work directly with U.S. military and government customers in mission-focused environments
  • Ability to travel up to 25% to SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciple with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience

Why Work Here?

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few. 

  • Join a world-class organization that makes a meaningful impact on government software.
  • Collaborate with experts and work with cutting-edge technologies to solve challenging problems for the government and the nation.
  • Receive an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan with no personal contribution required.
  • Access tuition benefits for yourself and your dependent children.
  • Take advantage of paid parental and military leave.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and many other benefits.

Join us in advancing the engineering of mission-critical systems that protect and support those who serve.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

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  • Click to view a listing of employee benefits

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that was founded in 1900. The university is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Carnegie Mellon has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong focus on research and has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations. Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
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