Full-Time

Lead Software Systems Engineer

Electronic Warfare SIGINT

Deadline 5/5/27
 MAG Aerospace

MAG Aerospace

1,001-5,000 employees

Operates ISR aircraft and UAS services

Compensation Overview

$185k - $260k/yr

Aberdeen, MD, USA

In Person

Requires 25% travel to Army/contractor locations within CONUS.

Category
Engineering Management (1)
Required Skills
Microsoft Azure
Agile
Python
Threat modeling
Machine Learning
Java
Docker
Microservices
AWS
Cryptography
SCRUM
REST APIs
C/C++
DevOps
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Ten or more years of experience in the software development lifecycle, with a demonstrated progression into technical leadership or program management roles
  • Proven experience overseeing the design and implementation of RF architectures and Open Systems Approaches
  • Strong understanding of Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence systems
  • Experience developing or managing Statements of Work and system requirements
  • Strong understanding of modern software development principles and the ability to effectively oversee teams working with languages such as Java, Python, and C++
  • Knowledge of Modular Open Systems Approach principles and their application in defense systems
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure), containerization technologies, and microservices architecture
  • Understanding of the DevOps culture and tools for continuous integration and delivery
  • Knowledge of agile development methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban
  • Familiarity with database management systems, API design principles, and data analytics tools
  • Understanding of cybersecurity best practices, including threat modeling, encryption, and authorization
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to balance immediate technical needs with a long-term strategic vision
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
  • Proven ability to lead and provide clear guidance to contractor teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting complex technical issues
  • Ability to adapt to new technologies and evolving program requirements
  • Effective time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple project timelines
  • A strong commitment to collaboration with cross-functional teams, including test and evaluation, product management, and quality assurance
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
Responsibilities
  • Direct contractor-led software development teams to ensure technical solutions align with program standards and operational needs
  • Manage stakeholder engagements to capture operational intent and translate Soldier feedback into clear, actionable system and software requirements
  • Oversee the contractor's design of a flexible Radio Frequency and Open Systems Architecture that supports current and future EW sensors, effectors, and Signals Intelligence capabilities
  • Conduct rigorous verification and validation of all contractor-developed software to confirm it meets technical specifications and operational requirements
  • Write and manage the development of Statements of Work and System Requirements Documents for Other Transaction Authority agreements
  • Lead cross-functional teams to ensure technical solutions meet performance metrics and program goals
  • Collaborate closely with the PL SSW Chief Engineer and the PL SSW Senior Software Architect to ensure architectural and technical alignment
  • Maintain a strategic focus on integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Next Generation Command and Control, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, and the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum
Desired Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Experience working within a Department of Defense or Army program office environment
  • Familiarity with the Department of Defense acquisition process
  • Experience with cloud-based architectures and containerization in a defense context
  • Strong background in cybersecurity principles and practices

MAG Aerospace provides aerial surveillance and situational awareness services using a fleet of over 200 manned and unmanned aircraft. The company operates and maintains these aircraft while integrating communication and intelligence systems to collect and deliver real-time data to federal, international, and commercial clients. Unlike many competitors that focus solely on hardware or software, MAG manages the entire process from flight operations and maintenance to technical training and global mission support. Its goal is to enhance the operational effectiveness of its customers by providing a complete, end-to-end solution for gathering and analyzing information from the air.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Woodbridge, Virginia

Founded

2009

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Chris Pateras joined February 28, 2026, adding 30 years Special Operations expertise.
  • MAG won $243M US Army C-WIPS task order for C5ISR integration.
  • MAG partners with L3Harris for Army ATHENA-R enhanced ISR aircraft.

What critics are saying

  • L3Harris undercuts MAG on ATHENA-R with superior integration in 6-12 months.
  • SAS captures $900M Space Force IDIQ using advanced AI in 12-18 months.
  • Airbus cancels MAG's AH-125 weapons integration subcontract in 3-6 months.

What makes MAG Aerospace unique

  • MAG leads independent full-spectrum C5ISR services with 200+ aircraft globally.
  • MAG operates 30+ Operations Centers on six continents for ISR missions.
  • MAG delivers turnkey manned/unmanned ISR operations and training worldwide.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Your Connections

People at MAG Aerospace who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Professional Development Budget

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Work Hours

Company News

MAG Aerospace
Feb 28th, 2026
Chris Pateras Joins MAG

Chris Pateras joins MAG. 28February 2026 MAG Aerospace, a premier innovator of defense technology solutions that enable decision superiority, is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Pateras as Vice President for Strategy, Growth, and Operations. Chris joins MAG Aerospace with more than 30 years of Special Operations experience and 25 years of deep, on-the-ground engagement throughout Latin America. Over the course of his career, he has supported complex security cooperation initiatives, counter-narcotics operations, counterterrorism efforts, and partner force development across the region. His extensive regional expertise, combined with decades of operational leadership in high-risk, dynamic environments, positions him to make an immediate impact within the organization. Throughout his distinguished career in Special Operations, Pateras has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to mission success, strategic planning, and building enduring partnerships. His 25 years working across Latin America and elsewhere strengthened interoperability with allied forces, enhanced regional security collaboration, and advanced U.S. national security objectives. In his new role, Pateras will contribute to advancing MAG's defense technology solutions to enable customers to gain a decision advantage across the globe.

LifeCare News
Apr 30th, 2025
Gogo confirms outstanding Plane Simple ESA flight test campaign

Gogo worked with MAG Aerospace, a premier innovator of defense technology, to rigorously test gate-to-gate continuous operations through all planned maneuvers, including standard taxi, take-off, and landing, as well as more challenging racetrack, figure-of-eight patterns, ascent/descent profiles, and hard bank movements up to 30 degrees.

TipRanks
Oct 1st, 2024
Zapata AI partners with MAG Aerospace for airborne surveillance platform

Zapata AI announced the first commercial agreement of its partnership with MAG Aerospace.

PR Newswire
Sep 6th, 2023
Sas Supports Mag Aerospace On $900M Space Force Contract

Joint pursuit of Space Systems Command opportunities are part of broader efforts to enable advanced data analytics at the tactical space edgeCARY, N.C., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global analytics leader SAS and MAG Aerospace are teaming up to pursue opportunities from the recently awarded US Space Force Space Systems Command $900 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. SAS and MAG Aerospace will bring expertise in AI, analytics and Joint All-Domain Command and Control to the space realm, enabling the Space Force to analyze and use all the data coming in from its vast network of radars and sensors.Space Force tracking radars and other sensors produce incredible amounts of data from thousands of locations Tweet this MAG Aerospace is a leader in delivering Full-Spectrum Joint Domain Command and Control Services to the US government As part of a $900 million US Space Force IDIQ contract, SAS and MAG Aerospace will bring expertise in AI, analytics and Joint All-Domain Command and Control to the space realm, enabling the Space Force to analyze and use all the data coming in from its vast network of radars and sensors.The Space Systems Command IDIQ contract is in support of Space Command and Control (C2). Space Force tracking radars and other sensors produce incredible amounts of data from thousands of locations. Last year, the Space Command tracked more than 47,000 objects in space. There is a critical need to convert this proliferation of diverse sensor data accurately and rapidly into usable, real-time intelligence for mission success

GovCon Wire
Aug 18th, 2023
Former IronNet Exec Melissa Logsdon Joins MAG Aerospace as Chief HR Officer

Melissa Logsdon, former chief people officer at IronNet Cybersecurity, has been appointed chief human resources officer at MAG Aerospace.