General Dynamics

Software Engineering Lead - Guidance Test Equipment

General Dynamics$112K — $125K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, or a related STEM field; or Master's degree with fewer years of experience
  • 5-7 years of software engineering experience, preferably in defense technology
  • Familiarity with embedded systems and software integration
  • Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance
  • U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of the work

Responsibilities

  • Lead a technical team in developing test equipment for missile guidance systems
  • Drive software design, development, and deployment for complex test capabilities
  • Collaborate with engineers to build software interfacing with sophisticated lab environments
  • Enhance development workflows using CI/CD practices and automation
  • Support efforts in embedded software and test automation
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineering team members
  • Engage with leadership to manage project priorities and challenges

Benefits

  • Opportunities for continuous learning and development
  • Research-oriented work with award-winning teams
  • Flexible schedules, including 9/80 workweeks
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401k matching and healthcare
  • Paid parental leave and wellness programs
Full Job Description
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 3 years relevant experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

 

The Guidance Program is looking for a Software Engineering Lead to help shape the next generation of test equipment supporting the Trident II D5LE2 Missile Guidance System. In this role, you will lead a small, highly capable cross-functional team developing the software, tools, automation, and integration capabilities used to test one of the most complex strategic guidance systems in the world.

 

This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who enjoys solving hard engineering problems, improving how teams build and deliver software, and working at the intersection of embedded systems, test equipment, hardware integration, and mission-critical defense technology. You will partner closely with systems, hardware, test, and program leadership to modernize software practices, strengthen integration workflows, and deliver reliable capabilities that directly support Guidance System development and verification.

 

You’ll have the opportunity to influence technical direction, mentor engineers, introduce better development practices, and help the team move faster with confidence. If you enjoy leading from the front, building practical software solutions, and bringing modern software engineering discipline into complex engineering environments, this role offers meaningful technical challenge and high mission impact.

 

What You’ll Do

  • Lead a small technical team of software and cross-discipline engineers supporting Guidance Test Equipment development
  • Drive software design, development, integration, test, and deployment for mission-critical test capabilities
  • Partner with systems, hardware, and test engineers to build software that interfaces with complex lab and engineering environments
  • Improve development workflows through CI/CD, automation, containerization, configuration management, and disciplined release practices
  • Support embedded software, middleware, networking, data acquisition, analysis, and test automation efforts
  • Provide technical direction, mentoring, planning support, and execution oversight for team deliverables
  • Collaborate with engineering and program leadership to manage priorities, resolve technical challenges, and align execution with program needs
  • Apply systems engineering awareness to requirements, interfaces, integration, verification, and test planning

What We’re Looking For

We encourage you to apply if you have experience in any of the following areas:

  • Technical leadership of a small engineering team, ideally 5+ individual contributors
  • Software development in C, C++, Python, or similar languages
  • Embedded software, test equipment software, automation, or hardware/software integration
  • CI/CD pipelines, automated builds, automated testing, or deployment workflows
  • Docker, Podman, or other containerization technologies
  • Networking, middleware, interfaces, or distributed software systems
  • MATLAB, engineering analysis tools, or modeling environments
  • Lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, data acquisition systems, or other test instrumentation
  • Systems engineering concepts such as requirements flowdown, interface definition, integration, verification, and validation
  • Communication with engineering teams, program leadership, and multiple levels of management

What Will Help You Stand Out

  • A passion for modernizing engineering workflows and improving how software is built, tested, and delivered
  • Comfort working in complex, highly regulated, mission-critical environments
  • Ability to bridge software, systems, hardware, and test disciplines
  • A practical mindset for solving integration challenges in real engineering lab environments
  • Curiosity about emerging tools and a willingness to introduce better ways of working

AI-Enabled Engineering

We are also looking for engineers who are ready to use AI responsibly to improve productivity, quality, and technical insight. Preferred experience includes:

  • Ability to leverage generative AI tools to accelerate software development, integration, test, documentation, and engineering analysis
  • Comfort working with enterprise AI platforms and multiple AI models while following established guidelines for handling CUI and proprietary data
  • Willingness to stay current with evolving AI capabilities and adopt new AI-enabled workflows that improve engineering productivity and quality

Why This Role Matters

The software developed by this team enables the test and verification of critical Guidance System capabilities. Your work will help strengthen the tools, automation, and engineering infrastructure behind one of the nation’s most important strategic defense programs. This is a role for someone who wants their software leadership to have visible impact, technical depth, and mission relevance.

Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development. 
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

 

Workplace Options:This position is Fully On-site or FlexWhile on-site, you will be a part of the Pittsfield, MA Guidance Team.

Salary NoteThis estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. Combined Salary RangeUSD $112,924.00 - USD $125,275.00 /Yr.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is involved in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments, and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technologies. General Dynamics has four main business segments. Aerospace designs, develops, manufacturers and services a comprehensive offering of advanced business-jet aircraft. Combat Systems specializes in producing, supporting and sustaining land and expeditionary combat systems for the U.S. military and its allies. Marine Systems designs, builds and supports submarines and a variety of surface ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers. The Information Systems and Technology group offers a breadth and depth of technology and service capabilities that support a wide range of government and commercial needs, including systems integration expertise; hardware and software products; and engineering, management and support services.

General Dynamics Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Dynamics, a leader in global defense, aerospace, and technology services. As a pivotal player in innovation and security, General Dynamics offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a cutting-edge environment.

Work You’ll Do

At General Dynamics, we empower our employees to drive innovation and lead with integrity and excellence. With a commitment to professional growth and diversity, our team is at the forefront of developing solutions that make a difference in the world. Whether in engineering, cybersecurity, or project management, your work at General Dynamics will contribute to missions that matter.

Explore Career Paths

General Dynamics is not just a company; it's a community where you can build a career that aligns with your passion and skills. From internships to leadership positions, the breadth of opportunities supports your professional journey at every stage.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is the status quo. At General Dynamics, you’ll work alongside industry experts to solve complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where you can lead projects that explore new frontiers.

Professional Development

Invest in your future with General Dynamics’ robust professional development programs. Enhance your skills through targeted training, workshops, and seminars that propel your expertise and leadership capabilities forward.

Diversity and Inclusion

At General Dynamics, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Through diversity training and networking opportunities, we ensure every team member can contribute uniquely and significantly.

Benefits and Culture

Experience a culture that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. General Dynamics offers competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our team-oriented culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect, making General Dynamics a great place to work.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at General Dynamics? Explore our current job opportunities and find a position that matches your skills and ambitions. We are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at General Dynamics by researching our company values and recent projects. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.

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Join General Dynamics today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await you in a career at General Dynamics.
Learn more about General Dynamics
Size
103,100 employees
Market Cap
$67.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1952
5 Year Trend
+4.7%
Revenue
$37.9 billion
NASDAQ

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