Senior Software Lead

Job Description: Thompson Gray is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Software Lead to join our Launched Effects (LE) team within the Command, Control & Effects (C2E) Product Office within the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office. In this critical role, you will provide technical leadership and oversight for the development, integration, and sustainment of software systems for advanced LE UAS platforms. This position requires a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, cybersecurity principles, and system architectures, specifically within the context of DoD acquisition processes.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-TIme

Worksite details: Onsite

Duties will include:

• Technical Leadership & Team Collaboration:
  • Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and architecture specialists, providing technical guidance, support, and professional development.
  • Collaborate closely with program management, system engineers, and stakeholders to define software requirements, deliverables, and project timelines.
  • Facilitate effective cross-functional team communications, ensuring that cybersecurity and architecture priorities are understood and integrated across the UAS program.
  • Drive innovation in UAS software design by staying up-to-date with emerging technologies in cybersecurity, software architecture, and UAS-specific regulatory standards.
  • Provide expert guidance on software development methodologies, best practices, and industry standards.
  • Oversee the development, integration, testing, and deployment of UAS LE software systems.
  • Ensure software solutions meet relevant performance, reliability, and security requirements.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity strategies to protect UAS software and systems from external threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.
  • Ensure that all software solutions comply with government cybersecurity requirements, standards, and regulations (e.g., NIST, DoD, or FAA guidelines).
  • Oversee vulnerability assessments, threat modeling, and penetration testing efforts, and guide teams to implement necessary remediations.
  • Establish and enforce secure software development practices (e.g., Secure DevOps, coding standards, threat detection) within the development team.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that all software components meet data integrity, confidentiality, and availability requirements.
  • Stay abreast of emerging cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities relevant to UAS.
• Software Architecture & Development:
  • Lead the design and development of robust, scalable software architectures for UAS, including real-time and distributed systems.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering teams to align software architecture with overall UAS design requirements, standards, and protocols.
  • Ensure modularity, maintainability, interoperability and efficiency of software components, allowing for streamlined updates and future feature expansion.
  • Guide software design reviews and validation processes, ensuring high code quality and adherence to applicable standards.
  • Ensure alignment between software architecture and overall system architecture.
  • Support the development of interface control documents and data exchange standards.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Oversee the creation of technical documentation, ensuring that architectural decisions, cybersecurity measures, and testing procedures are thoroughly documented.
  • Generate regular reports for stakeholders on software performance, cybersecurity posture, and architectural health.
  • Present findings, progress updates, and security status to Senior Army leadership.
  • Contribute to the development of airworthiness certification documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related Engineering field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Demonstrated experience with UAS software development and integration.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with cybersecurity principles and practices in the context of embedded systems.
• Familiarity with system architecture frameworks and design patterns.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and airworthiness regulations.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance (with eligibility for Top Secret).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) .
• Experience with Agile DevSecOps practices.
• Hold relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+).

Skills:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in software development tools and technologies.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
• Knowledge of communication protocols and networking technologies.

Why join Thompson Gray?

Thompson Gray is a multi-year winner of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Best Places to Work, recognized for our exceptional company culture that values employees and customers alike.

Here's what makes Thompson Gray special:

Competitive pay based on your qualifications Excellent benefits, including:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance 401(k) plan with employer match

Additional perks:

TG Swag - receive company-branded items during onboarding and seasonal shipments to your home Dependent Scholarship Program - supporting the education of employees' children

Tuition Assistance for furthering your own education Professional Development opportunities

Generous time-off policies, including 18 days of paid time off, 10 Federal Holidays, and flexible scheduling Annual donation to the charity of your choice

Regular team-building events, such as lunches, after-hours gatherings, seasonal family-friendly events, and our memorable annual holiday party

Join Thompson Gray and become part of a dynamic team committed to excellence, innovation, and community.

Thompson Gray is an Equal Opportunity Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation national origin, protected veteran status or disability. Thompson Gray, Inc. welcomes minority and veteran applicants.