Senior Principal Software Engineer Job Listing at Leonardo DRS in Dayton, OH (Job ID 1302319400)

Description

Job ID: 112380 

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies.  From air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.

We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer with deep expertise in AI/ML who can transform early-stage concepts into detailed, production-ready designs that serve warfighters across Space, Cyber, Airborne, Land, and Maritime domains. You will architect and prototype cutting-edge analytics- from on-orbit autonomy and cyber-resilient inference engines to real-time airborne/ground/maritime target detection, tracking, and fusion. Acting as a senior technical leader, you will conduct multi-domain trade studies, shape open-architecture solutions that scale from edge processors to cloud back-ends, mentor cross-disciplinary engineering teams, and champion rigorous systems and software-engineering practices that accelerate technology transition from the lab to the field.

Drive the end-to-end design of AI/ML solutions for detection, tracking, data fusion, and classification within integrated sensor systems.
Translate research prototypes into mature engineering specifications through requirements definition, architecture development, and rigorous trade studies.
Prototype algorithms in C/C++, Python and MATLAB,; leverage frameworks such as PyTorch to optimize system performance.
Lead deployment of AI/ML models onto embedded platforms or edge devices and support model updates and post-production maintenance
Define and implement data strategies, including data labeling, curation, and data generation for AI/ML model training
Ensure AI/ML solutions are aligned with the latest industry and DoD cybersecurity policies
Estimate cost, schedule, and technical risk for design efforts, support program planning and execution.
Contribute innovative concepts to capture and proposal activities, enhancing competitive differentiation.
Collaborate with software, firmware (FPGA), and hardware teams to ensure designs are implementable and scalable, providing clear interface control and test plans.
Lead technical design reviews and generate high-quality documentation (requirements, design specs, ICDs, verification plans).
Mentor junior engineers, foster systems thinking, and promote best practices across the organization.
Work with AT team to enhance engineering development practices using advanced AI/ML techniques
Stay current on emerging AI/ML techniques and integrated-sensing methodologies to inform technology roadmaps.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field. - 10+ years of relevant experience or a combination of experience and education.
Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge
Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines
Ability to lead major problem resolution efforts and support regaining or attaining customer partner status.

Preferred Qualifications
MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) design experience, including familiarity with SysML or similar modeling languages, tools, and methodologies.
Proficiency in C/C++ and Python on Linux platforms; strong understanding of configuration-management tools and workflows.
Hands-on experience with machine-learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, DeepStream, TensorFlow).
Experience implementing AI/ML solutions on embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Orin)
Proficiency of AI/ML model performance metrics, validation techniques, and model interoperability techniques
Familiarity with ISR mission concepts, signal processing, sensor fusion, or real-time object detection/tracking is highly desired
Demonstrated success transforming system concepts or prototypes into detailed, traceable designs.
Proven ability to conduct requirements analysis, architecture definition, and complex trade studies.
Proven experience in RF systems design and analysis (communications, or electronic warfare systems), including a solid understanding of RF components, antennas, and propagation principles. 
Deep background in RF systems and advanced signal processing algorithms with some experience in one or more of the following: communications waveform design, communication link budget analysis, adaptive filtering, or electronic warfare techniques.
Prior work experience in the defense or aerospace industry with some experience in one or more of the following: advanced signal processing , secure communications, or electronic warfare systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical presentations and customer interactions.
Familiarity with full life-cycle engineering processes (requirements management, configuration management, verification/validation).
U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #AIS