Software Systems Engineer

Areté

$95K — $185K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Eligible to obtain and hold a Top Secret clearance.
  • Proven ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.
  • Expertise in testing complex algorithms and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
  • Strong understanding of system-level architecture and troubleshooting subsystems.
  • Hands-on experience with Agile methodologies and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Skilled in defect documentation and creating actionable reports.
  • Ability to communicate technical issues and recommendations effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Lead system design, integration, and validation efforts.
  • Drive autonomous problem-solving and ownership of tasks.
  • Execute testing on algorithms, GUIs, and validate requirements.
  • Troubleshoot system-level issues and ensure integration.
  • Document defects and maintain issue traceability.
  • Communicate risks and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Guide engineering teams to align with program goals.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Flexible scheduling and Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid parental and bereavement leave
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Fitness reimbursement and vision reimbursement.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Software Systems Engineer to join our team and lead critical aspects of system design, integration, and validation. This role requires a strong technical foundation, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex requirements while interfacing with customers and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who thrives in dynamic environments and demonstrates flexibility, curiosity, and technical depth. This position will be based at our Northridge, CA office and is a non-supervisory, exempt, full-time position.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement
  • Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:
  • Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
  • Integrity and responsibility in all actions
  • Collaboration across teams and specialties
  • Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
  • Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
  • Eligible to obtain and hold a Top Secret clearance.
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, take ownership of tasks, and drive solutions with minimal oversight.
  • Expertise in testing complex algorithms and graphical user interfaces (GUIs), including formal requirements validation, usability testing, and defect identification.
  • Strong understanding of system-level architecture and interfaces, capable of troubleshooting across subsystems and ensuring seamless integration.
  • Hands-on experience with Agile development methodologies and continuous integration/continuous delivery pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Git).
  • Skilled in documenting defects, creating clear and actionable reports, and maintaining traceability of issues through resolution.
  • Ability to clearly communicate errors, risks, and recommendations to engineering teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to interpret formal and informal requirements, write detailed specifications, and manage change
  • requests.
  • Capable of guiding engineering teams and ensuring alignment with program objectives.
  • Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
  • Experience with classified systems or secure environments.
  • Familiarity with Agile development and DevSecOps practices.
  • Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
  • Familiarity with Squish/Jenkins/GIT (or a willingness to learn)
  • Basic knowledge and experience with C++/Python
  • Involvement with systems integration, test, and performance verification

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate's level of experience:
  • Engineer 1: $95,000 - $115,000 [required BS degree or higher]
  • Engineer 2: $115,000 - $140,000 [experience of BS+2 years, OR MS+0 years]
  • Staff Engineer: $135,000 - $165,000 [experience of BS+5 years, MS+3 years, or PhD+0 years]
  • Senior Engineer: $155,000 - $185,000 [experience of BS+7 years, MS+5 years, or PhD+3 years]

However, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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