Applied Research Solutions is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Software Engineer to join our innovative team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). In this critical role, you will contribute directly to the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems that are vital to the mission of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. You will apply your C++ programming expertise to design, build, and integrate robust software solutions that enable intelligent and autonomous behaviors in complex operational environments. This is a unique opportunity to work on challenging, mission-focused projects and make a significant impact on national security.
Why Work with us?
Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining high-performance, real-time software for autonomous systems using modern C++.
- Implementing and integrating advanced algorithms for autonomous control, sensor fusion, machine learning, and mission planning.
- Architecting and developing software that adheres to the Open Mission Systems (OMS) standard, promoting modularity, interoperability, and rapid capability integration across diverse platforms.
- Collaborating within a multi-disciplinary team of world-class engineers, researchers, and military subject matter experts to translate operational needs into technical requirements and software solutions.
- Participating in the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and design to integration, testing, and deployment.
- Analyzing and optimizing software for performance, scalability, and reliability on target hardware.
- Creating and maintaining thorough documentation for software designs, APIs, and test procedures. Learn new technologies, frameworks, and operational procedures as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Security Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret security clearance and be eligible for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. This is a condition of employment.
- Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related engineering field from an ABET-accredited institution.
- C++ Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in C++ programming, including experience with modern C++ standards.
- Technical Knowledge: A solid understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, and fundamental algorithms. Proven experience with Python for scripting, automation, or data analysis.
- Domain Familiarity: Foundational knowledge of concepts related to autonomous systems, robotics, or artificial intelligence.
- OMS Experience: Direct, hands-on experience developing software compliant with the OMS standard and the Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with modeling and simulation environments, particularly the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM).
- Proficiency in developing software in a Linux environment.
- Experience with Agile or Scrum development methodologies.
- Familiarity with CI/CD development pipelines.
All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- U.S. Citizen
- Active Top Secret security clearance
- Eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related field (ABET-accredited)
- Proficiency in modern C++ programming
- Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or data analysis
- Solid understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms
- Direct hands-on experience developing software compliant with OMS and UCI
- Foundational knowledge of autonomous systems, robotics, or artificial intelligence concepts
- Subject to background investigation (criminal history and identity check)
- Experience with AFSIM modeling and simulation environments
- Proficiency developing software in a Linux environment
- Experience with Agile or Scrum development methodologies
- Familiarity with CI/CD development pipelines
What We Do
Started in 2012, ARS is a growing small business serving the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, ARS delivers cyber solutions, information technology, intelligence solutions, logistics support services, research and education support, program management and engineering services support, scientific test, analysis, & evaluation, and space systems support. We specialize in providing fully-cleared professionals and subject matter experts to solve our customers’ most significant challenges. ARS is your trusted partner for all your technical service needs.








