Senior Principal Software Engineer
Leonardo DRS
Frederick, MD · Posted November 14, 2026
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November 2026
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About the job
Job ID: 114808
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.
Job Responsibilities
Develop and simulate baseband/RF waveforms, modulation schemes, and digital filters in MATLAB or Python.
Translate algorithms into optimized, real-time C/C++ code or hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog) for embedded systems, FPGAs, or SDR.
Collaborate with RF and systems engineers to integrate DSP logic with hardware, DACs, and ADCs.
Analyze signal integrity, conduct spectral analysis, and design automated test frameworks to validate algorithm performance under real-world constraints.
Profile and optimize code for memory usage, power consumption, and processing speed.
Involved with the design, development, analysis, testing and debugging of computer software applications and/or systems. May include Image and Signal Processing, Real-time, Firmware, Nuclear/Hi-Rel, FAA Certified, Database Design, Operating Systems, Operator/Machine Interface, or others. Develop software tools including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases, and Internet-related tools. Determine hardware compatibility. Complete documentation and procedures for installation and maintenance. Interact with users to define system requirements and/or necessary modifications.
Responsible for driving technology and completion of activity on time and budget
Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems
Ability to complete a technical project independently
Mentor and coach other engineers.
Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
Ability to lead major problem resolution efforts and support regaining or attaining customer partner status.
Be a key member of the new business capture team.
Provide budget, cost and schedule input for design assignments
Document component and subsystem specifications and material requirements
Analyze designs as necessary. Responsible for higher-level product line architecture, and providing guidance and oversight to multiple development teams working on different products or technologies to ensure the technologies interoperate or connect to each other appropriately.
Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
Actively support pursuit of new business by developing and presenting new concepts, technologies or applications as part of Business Development and Program Management team.
Develop trusted engineering contacts with the customer. Become a part of the customer’s design team, looking out for their best interests
Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems and services
Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
Develop prototypes to retire key development risks
Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
Participate heavily in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals
Provide technical expertise and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
Interact with technical management, other professionals, technicians and support personnel to coordinate, recommend and confer regarding technical activities and progress
May mentor and coach the work of others as assigned
Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
Mentor and coach less-experienced engineers
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 10 years of experience
B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science with 10+ years of experience in a related field preferred
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 Qualificiations
High proficiency in C/C++ and prototyping tools like MATLAB/Simulink or Python.
Understanding of Fourier transforms, FIR/IIR filtering, sampling theory, and modulation formats.
Experience with embedded processors, microcontrollers, FPGAs, or CUDA for parallel processing.
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 4/10 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