Software Architect/Principal Engineer
Leads the software architecture for VIPERS/VBK Active Protection Systems on Army ground vehicles at DCS Corporation — defining DDS-based open interfaces and architecture documentation, mentoring developers, and leading design reviews within an Agile/DevSecOps program. Core stack: C/C++ real-time embedded Linux, DDS/gRPC, UML/SysML; US citizenship and DoD Secret clearance eligibility required.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 12+ years
- Category
- Architecture
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- U.S. citizenship required due to sensitivity of customer-related requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 12 years of professional software development experience including software architecture or technical leadership roles
- Strong C/C++ knowledge including real-time and embedded software development on Linux
- Experience with Windows-based development environments
- Experience defining software architectures and interfaces for medium- to high-complexity hardware/software systems
- Experience with middleware and inter-process communication such as DDS, gRPC, or Protocol Buffers
- Experience with UML and/or SysML architecture modeling
- Experience working with user representatives and formal DoD requirements documents
- Knowledge of SDLC processes including configuration management, peer review, and formal software verification
- Self-starter able to work independently without direct supervision
- Ability to work within a team to direct and contribute to vehicle system integration and development
- Excellent technical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate competing programmatic demands
- Strong customer service orientation suited to daily support of the Government customer
- Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
Nice to have
- Project management experience including planning, scheduling, and tracking technical work
- Hardware/software interface, system architecture, and integration experience on Army ground vehicle platforms
- Experience with Active Protection Systems, survivability systems, or other safety-critical weapon or fire-control software
- Experience applying MIL-STD-882E software system safety practices
- Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and open-architecture standards
- Experience with Agile/DevSecOps and the DoD Software Acquisition Pathway
- Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler or MagicDraw
- Active DoD Secret clearance
Full description
DCS is seeking a motivated, experienced Software Architecture Lead with a strong background in hardware/software interfaces, real-time embedded software, and system integration, coupled with exceptional communication skills to coordinate effectively between government software developers, industry developers, and vehicle platform engineers. This position supports the Product Manager Vehicle Protection Systems (PdM VPS) integration of Active Protection Systems (APS) onto Capability Program Executive (CPE) Ground platforms. The Software Architecture Lead owns the overall structural design of the software that integrates the Vehicle Protection Systems Intelligent Protection and Engagement Response Software (VIPERS), a Software Acquisition Pathway program, with the existing Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) Framework-compliant Vehicle Base Kit (VBK). VIPERS will serve as the baseline software for both the VBK and future APS products, and provides open, standards-based interfaces through which government and industry developers integrate new capabilities.
Essential Job Functions:
Define, document, and maintain the VIPERS/VBK software architecture, including architecture views, software design descriptions, and interface control documents.
Define the open, standards-based software interfaces, including DDS data interfaces, through which government, OEM, and third-party developers integrate with VIPERS and the VBK, consistent with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles.
Interface directly with government stakeholders, OEM providers, and subject matter experts to identify, document, and trace system and software requirements.
Provide guidance and mentorship to development teams, ensuring they follow the established architectural vision.
Establish and lead hardware/software design reviews with stakeholders and peers.
Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and cybersecurity controls to minimize technical debt and ensure system reliability.
Ensure the software architecture satisfies software system safety requirements under MIL-STD-882E, including the identification and partitioning of safety-significant software.
Address the critical attributes of a real-time protection system, including deterministic timing and latency, fault tolerance, availability, safety, security, and maintainability.
Support the program’s Agile/DevSecOps practices, including configuration management, branch strategy, continuous integration, and automated test.
Assist in the preparation of test plans, observe tests, and analyze test results to determine adequacy of system and subsystem performance, recommending corrective actions for deficiencies.
Review and advise on preliminary design studies for new or improved items, components, structures, and major subsystems, as well as engineering changes affecting system characteristics.