Principal Software Engineer

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MITRE's Transportation Automation and Infrastructure Evolution department is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the technical transformation of the FAA's air traffic management systems. This is a high-impact, senior engineering role focused on shaping the future of aviation automation by designing and delivering next-generation software architectures for the National Airspace System (NAS).

You will drive the modernization of safety-critical and decision support systems, leading the transition from legacy monoliths to modular, cloud-native platforms. This is an opportunity to architect change at national scale-working alongside technical experts, sponsor leadership, and strategic partners to deliver resilient, high-performance automation capabilities.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Lead Systems Modernization: Architect and engineer the evolution of FAA automation platforms using cloud-native, microservices-based architectures.
• Hands-On Development & Leadership: Provide technical execution and leadership in the design, prototyping, and integration of software services using modern DevSecOps toolchains and CI/CD pipelines.
• Cloud Engineering: Lead application migration and refactoring for cloud environments (public, private, and hybrid), ensuring scalability, reliability, and compliance.
• Enterprise Integration: Guide the modernization of FAA's enterprise systems by designing modular solutions that unify disparate data, user interfaces, and workflows across domains.
• Legacy Transition Strategy: Translate FAA's Automation Evolution Strategy into actionable engineering roadmaps for legacy system transformation.
• Collaboration & Influence: Work directly with FAA engineers, program managers, and MITRE project teams to align technical solutions with mission needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Experience with software engineering and architecture of complex, high-assurance systems
• Strong experience in technical leadership roles, with hands-on responsibility for system design and software delivery
• Experience with FAA automation systems (e.g., ERAM, STARS, TFMS, TBFM, TFDM, SWIM) or other safety-critical domains
• Deep experience with cloud-native architectures, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and microservices
• Proficient in developing applications for hybrid-cloud and mission-critical environments
• Proficiency in modern DevSecOps tools, digital engineering/model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and Agile frameworks (e.g., SAFe)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to interface with senior leadership and technical stakeholders
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a FAA - Suitability. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for FAA - Suitability
• This position has a minimum requirement of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active FAA suitability
• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with air traffic control operations, safety assurance processes, and FAA acquisition lifecycle
• Proven experience supporting government or national infrastructure systems where performance, security, and reliability are paramount

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Suitability - FAA

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$173,200 - $216,500 - $259,800 Annual

Work Location Type:

Hybrid

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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