New

Software Engineer II

SES-Government Solutions
parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, San Diego
Feb 07, 2026
Job ID:113689 DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company. Job Summary We are seeking a Software Engineer II to join our Software Development Team, contributing to the design and implementation of C++ software for instrument communication, hardware control, and user interface applications. In this role, you will develop cross-platform GUI applications using Qt C++, create reliable interfaces for various devices, and support automation workflows through Python scripting. You will write clean, maintainable code, participate in code reviews, and collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams to deliver integrated solutions. This position offers opportunities to work with optical instrumentation while enhancing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of advanced systems. Job Responsibilities Develop and maintain C++ software for instrument communication, hardware control, and GUI applications. Build and enhance Qt based user interfaces for scientific, industrial, and automation systems. Design reliable software components that interface with cameras, motors, power meters, wavelength meters, and other USB/TCP IP devices. Create Python automation scripts to support optical alignment and manufacturing workflows. Develop and maintain databases, image processing routines, signal processing algorithms, and optimization tools. Support robotic alignment stations and contribute to automation framework development. Build hands on skill in optical instrumentation, including assembling and aligning laser based optical bench setups. Participate in code reviews, follow best practices, and maintain clear technical documentation. Collaborate with cross functional teams (hardware, firmware, manufacturing, design) to gather requirements and deliver integrated solutions. Debug, profile, and optimize software for performance and reliability. Contribute prototypes to reduce technical risk and support design for manufacturability goals. The Ideal Candidate should have: Solid understanding of modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20) and experience with CMake. Proficiency with Qt C++ for cross platform GUI development. Hands on experience with Visual Studio IDE for C++ development and debugging. Experience developing hardware support libraries and working with instrument communication protocols (SCPI, FTDI USB, Ethernet, Serial). Familiarity with unit testing frameworks such as Catch2 or Google Test. Experience with Python and other scripting languages for automation, tooling, and data processing. Proficient in debugging, profiling, and performance optimization skills. Working knowledge of Git SCM, including branching workflows, pull requests, rebasing, merging, and common commands (add, commit, push, fetch, merge, cherry pick, stash). Experience in agile development environments. Hands on experience with optical bench alignment and first order optics. Comfortable with multi threaded programming, concurrency, and real-time system development. Demonstrated problem solving ability, clear communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 2 years of experience Competent technical expertise and application domain knowledge Ability to work independently U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $91,907.00/year- $131,428.00/year.This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage. Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. *Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.