What We Do
The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances the state of the art in software engineering and cybersecurity, serving as a national resource for the advancement of secure, reliable, and high-performing software systems. As a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) at Carnegie Mellon University, SEI partners with academia, the U.S. Department of War, other government agencies, and industry to improve the development, acquisition, and sustainment of software-intensive systems.
Our mission is to help organizations acquire and operate software-reliant systems that are secure, reliable, sustainable, and mission-effective delivered on time and within budget.
If you are creative, curious, and motivated to solve complex technical challenges in support of national defense, we encourage you to apply.
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.
Benefits eligible 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 Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
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, PAJob Function
Software/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- 10 years of experience in software engineering
- Experience with C++, C#, Java, and Angular
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance
- Experience leading large-scale acquisition programs
- BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
