Sentinel Staff Software Engineer

Build and lead certifiable test automation for the Sentinel Program with a team focused on scalable engineering, clear documentation, and high-quality delivery. This on-site Staff Software Engineer role in Huntsville, AL supports a Python-based software automation test architecture, with technical authority across the software test lifecycle and collaboration across multiple sites.

Compensation: USD 169,000 - 253,600 per year. Standard work schedule: 9/80 (nine-hour days Monday through Thursday, with every other Friday off). Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.

What you’ll do

• Set the technical direction for the Software Test team, ensuring alignment to program goals and schedules.
• Define and guide software design approaches for the Python framework and SRCT integrations.
• Establish and enforce architecture and coding standards to support scalability, maintainability, and compliance.
• Lead efforts to achieve timely certification of requirements, removing technical obstacles and managing technical risk.
• Coordinate software test activities across multiple sites to ensure consistent processes, quality, and communication.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to develop robust test methodologies, maintain requirements traceability to test cases, and produce complete test documentation.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated test environments that improve coverage, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Mentor team members through feedback and knowledge sharing, supporting continuous learning and improvement.
• Plan and coordinate software test release activities in line with broader program schedules, resolving dependencies and risks.
• Provide judgment on course of action to meet program objectives in partnership with systems engineering, software development, and management.
• Oversee product quality and delivery timeliness, identifying issues early and driving remediation before customer or milestone impact.
• Serve as the primary technical test representative in reviews with senior management and customer stakeholders, communicating status, risks, and recommendations.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or 10+ years with a master’s degree, or 8+ years with a Ph.D, or 4 additional years in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. citizenship required, with an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application (current and within scope, less than 6 years), and ability to obtain and maintain SAP approval within a reasonable period as determined by the company.
• At least 1 year leading projects and/or driving team performance to meet schedule commitments.
• Minimum of 2 years demonstrating experience in embedded and/or application software test planning and test execution.
• Strong Python proficiency, including developing, debugging, and maintaining software and/or test scripts.
• Experience managing a product team and delivering periodic, process-driven releases for a government customer.
• Background in software testing and troubleshooting, including participation in or support of a Software Review Board (SRB) or equivalent governance process.
• Experience developing and reviewing requirements, including vertical traceability across a program-defined specification/document tree.
• Experience using Cameo (MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler) or equivalent MBSE tooling.
• Experience supporting informal integration and formal qualification test efforts.
• Experience developing Basis of Estimate (BOE) artifacts and supporting IMS and Initial/Interim Financial Commitment (IFC) planning activities.

Preferred qualifications

• Requirements for leadership experience on medium-to-large, complex programs.
• Hands-on software automation scripting development and integration experience.
• Python application framework proficiency (for example, Django, Flask, or similar).
• Practical experience in a SAFe Agile environment (PI planning, ART ceremonies, backlog management).
• Working knowledge of the Atlassian tool suite, including Jira and Bitbucket.
• Strong understanding of DO-178 airworthiness processes and artifact generation, including HLR and LLR development and mapping to Segment/System/Software traceability.
• Familiarity with Real-Time Component Framework (RTCF) concepts and implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across large, multi-disciplinary teams, in both leadership and individual contributor roles.

Technologies

• Python
• Software Requirements Checker Tool (SRCT)
• Cameo (MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler), MagicDraw, Cameo Systems Modeler
• Django, Flask
• Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Bitbucket)
• DO-178

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Relocation and clearance

• Relocation assistance: Relocation assistance may be available.
• Clearance required for start: Yes
• Clearance type: Secret

Application period: Estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date, though it may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.