Apply on Employer Site

Akima · 16 hours ago

Software Engineer - DevOps and Embedded Systems

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

10+ years exp

Akima Systems Engineering is looking to hire a software engineer with specialization in DevOps engineering and embedded systems to support the research, development, and evaluation of next-generation communication and sensing technologies for modern maritime surveillance and detection. The role involves designing and deploying advanced software solutions for RF sensing and signal processing, integrating sensor technologies, and optimizing systems for performance and reliability.

ConstructionConsultingCyber SecurityInformation TechnologyLogisticsManagement ConsultingSupply Chain ManagementTechnical Support

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, and deploy advanced software solutions that support Coast Guard next-generation RF sensing and signal processing platforms and adapt to new, evolving technologies

Building systems that integrate sensor technologies for detecting broad-spectrum RF signals, apply AI/ML-based signal processing, incorporate traditional signal processing techniques, and interface with RF transmission devices

Design and conduct experiments to characterize sensor performance (sensitivity, noise figure, dynamic range, false-alarm rates) under realistic maritime conditions

Perform trade studies comparing COTS vs. custom embedded solutions, documenting performance, cost, reliability, and lifecycle considerations. Translate mission needs and operational constraints into system requirements, architecture decisions, and testable acceptance criteria

Ability to work in multidisciplinary research teams or lab environment and collaborate in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems software

Integrate software with broad-spectrum RF sensor technologies and manage data pipelines for high-volume signal acquisition. Stay current with emerging technologies in RF sensing, AI/ML, digital signal processing (DSP), and embedded systems

Implement real-time signal acquisition, DSP pipelines, and edge analytics for RF detection, classification, and event triggering

Develop algorithms for signal detection, classification, deconfliction, and multi-sensor fusion to enhance maritime domain awareness

Build robust data pipelines for high-throughput RF capture, metadata tagging, storage, and retrieval (including streaming and batch workflows)

Conduct performance profiling and optimize processing chains for throughput, latency, and energy efficiency on target hardware

Develop and integrate software for mesh networks and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) to enable resilient, self-healing communication in maritime environments

Optimize routing protocols (e.g., OLSR, AODV, BATMAN) for dynamic topologies and constrained embedded platforms

Ensure interoperability between sensors, gateways, and command systems over heterogeneous links (RF, SATCOM, LTE)

Participate in code reviews to maintain high standards of quality and performance and contribute to engineering best practices, architecture decisions and documentation

Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize existing systems for performance and reliability across hardware/software boundaries. Implement algorithms and models related to AI/ML-driven signal analysis, classification, and detection

Coordinate with network, database, and programming personnel to deliver software systems that meet user requirements

Support development of all technical documentation required by C5ISC SELC and Change Management processes

Provide input as requested by the USCG in the development of Engineering Change documentation

Attend quarterly program management and technical working group meetings as directed

Provide formal reports on any deficiencies identified as directed by the COR

Review for reports and documentation deliverables for accuracy as directed by the COR

Qualification

DevOps engineeringEmbedded systemsRF signal detectionMachine learningSoftware developmentSignal processingCISSP certificationEmbedded programmingCI/CD pipelinesCommunication skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Must be a US Citizen

Must be able to obtain a Secret clearance

Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science and a minimum of 10 years of experience using programming languages (e.g. Rails, Oracle, SQL, MySQL, .NET, and Java etc.) is required

A current Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent certification is required. Additional specific information assurance certification requirements may be required at the task order level

4+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on DevOps and embedded systems. Experience with sensor fusion, signal intelligence (SIGINT), or maritime surveillance systems. Knowledge of machine learning for signal classification. Hands-on experience with networked embedded systems and distributed architectures

Experience with RF signal detection and processing tools and frameworks. Additional experience in RF systems, including receivers, transmitters, modulation schemes, software defined radios and RF signal processing. Background in AI/ML model development for signal classification, detection, or anomaly identification is desired

Knowledge of embedded software, FPGA interfaces, or Software-defined radio (SDR) platforms (e.g., USRP, HackRF, BladeRF). Familiarity with cloud-based or distributed processing environments. Knowledge of network protocols and secure communication systems

Proficiency in embedded programming languages (C, C++, Rust) and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Strong knowledge of DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes)

Must possess demonstrated knowledge of implementing new software technologies from lab to operations

Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences