Senior Software Engineering Lead

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineering Lead to drive internal research and development for next-generation military live training systems, with a focus on embedded instrumentation, simulation platforms, and intelligent data-driven capabilities. This role is designed for a highly technical leader with a proven track record of delivering mission-critical defense software, integrating embedded systems with enterprise-scale architectures, and leading teams through modernization and innovation initiatives.

Technical & Architectural Leadership

Lead end-to-end architecture of embedded, simulation, and cloud-native systems
• Enforce object-oriented design patterns and modular architectures
• Drive API-first and microservices-based architectures
• Modernize legacy systems into scalable platforms

Embedded Systems & Hardware Integration

• Develop software for embedded platforms and small board computers
• Integrate MIL-STD-1553 and OMS interfaces
• Lead hardware/software co-design and debugging
• Optimize real-time performance and reliability

Military Training & Simulation Systems

• Develop live training and simulation software systems
• Enable real-time data processing and instrumentation pipelines
• Support AAR systems and analytics

AI/ML & Data Systems

• Integrate AI/ML models and predictive analytics
• Develop ETL pipelines and data architectures

DevSecOps & Cloud

• Implement CI/CD, DevSecOps, and IaC practices
• Deploy systems using AWS/Azure, Docker, Kubernetes

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor engineering teams
• Drive Agile/SAFe execution

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred)

• 10-15+ years in defense or mission-critical software engineering
• Strong OOP expertise (C++, Java, Python)
• Embedded systems experience (RTOS, drivers, integration)
• Experience with MIL-STD-1553 and OMS
• Cloud-native and DevSecOps experience
• Experience modernizing legacy systems

• Experience with DoD training systems
• AI/ML and data engineering experience
• Distributed simulation environments

• Active or ability to obtain U.S. DoD Secret clearance (preferred)

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)