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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 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 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
- 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.
- This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on-site.
Preferred Qualifications: - Active FAA suitability
- Experience with FAA automation systems (e.g., ERAM, STARS, TFMS, TBFM, TFDM, SWIM) or other safety-critical domains
- 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:Onsite
Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll 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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