Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer (C++/Python)

Duration: 12 Months with potential extension

Location: Little Canada, MN

Days/Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer with strong proficiency in C++ and Python with the desire to use those skills to improve the cybersecurity of medical devices. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across both application development and system-level security engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications using C++ and Python.
• Implement and maintain secure coding practices and contribute to the hardening of medical devices to effectively protect against and respond to known and emerging cybersecurity threats.
• Utilize OpenSSL for cryptographic operations including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, key pair generation and management, and X.509 certificate creation, signing, and validation.
• Participate in code reviews, threat modeling, and vulnerability assessments.
• Document system configurations, software designs, and security architecture.
• Work with Systems Engineering, Product Security, and other stakeholders to develop cybersecurity controls.
• As a team member, contribute significantly to completion of various project activities, from definition, identifying software functional requirements, implementation, code reviews, and final release according to medical device development processes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge and 3+ years of experience developing software in C++ and Python.
• Experience with secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) and secure programming practices.
• Ability to apply cybersecurity principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability) to the design and development of medical device software.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate to all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Qt application development framework.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Perl or Shell.
• Experience working in a Linux software development environment.
• Experience with OpenSSL and cryptographic protocols, TLS, and PKCS.
• Knowledge of 62304 and other standards applicable to Class II and Class III medical devices.
• Familiarity with FDA cybersecurity guidance.
• Previous experience working in a regulated industry such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, or defense.
• Software developer with cybersecurity exposure (not cybersecurity analyst)

Role Context

Projects: Security features for medical device (cardiac mapping system)

Typical Day: - Agile ceremonies (daily standups, sprint work) - Coding, code reviews, unit testing - Collaboration with systems engineers and security analysts

Work Breakdown: - Majority coding & development - Some meetings and documentation

Stakeholders: - Software developers - Systems engineers - Product security analysts

First 90 Days Success: - Ramp up quickly onsite - Contribute to development and security features

Challenges: - Cybersecurity-only candidates struggle without strong programming

Candidate Profile – Skills & Experience

Top Required Skills: • C++ Programming – Advanced – Ability to develop software for medical devices • Python Programming – Intermediate/Advanced – Used for development tasks • Secure SDLC Knowledge – Intermediate – Understand security principles (CIA, threat modeling)

Flexibility: • Some flexibility on industry experience if strong programming background

Top Preferred Skills: • Qt Framework – Strong advantage – UI development with C++ • Linux Development – Strong advantage – Environment where software runs • OpenSSL / Cryptography – Nice-to-have – Security implementation • Cybersecurity experience / cryptographic libraries (OpenSSL, WolfSSL)

Additional Requirements: • Systems: - Linux OS - Medical device platform • Traits: - Strong problem solving - Good communication - Adaptable to structured/regulated environment

Interview: The selected candidate will start ASAP after the screenings have cleared.