Independent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Massachusetts

Project Software Engineer / Project Software Developer

Company Summary

Triton Systems, Inc combines 30+ years of experience with exciting growth and innovation opportunities within the product development and R&D space. We support Government and commercial markets by delivering advanced solutions across applications in defense, security, aerospace, energy, environmental sustainability, and human health. Where we see a larger opportunity, we create new companies to scale these solutions into businesses. Our teams thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where we tackle complex challenges, meet our customers' toughest requirements, and deliver high-impact results on time, on budget and have fun while doing it.

Position Summary

We are seeking a versatile Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience to support our Applied Computational Engineering group. This is a role for a self-directed engineer who thrives juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced, quick-turnaround environment.

A primary focus of this role is transforming research-level code into production-ready software: secure, optimized for runtime performance, user-friendly, clean, and modular, and integrated with other software systems (for example, via well-defined APIs). The codebase is primarily C++, so strong C++ proficiency is essential, complemented by competency across additional languages including Python, MATLAB, and Java. Strong skills in coding, debugging, design, problem-solving, technical writing, and presentations are required, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively. Another core component of this role is the ability to develop and apply novel artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) methods and algorithms to solve challenging technical problems across our customer base.

This position is scoped to accommodate a range of experience. Candidates with 5+ years will be considered at the Project Software Engineer level, while candidates bringing deeper experience (up to ~15 years) may be considered at a more senior level commensurate with their background.

Duties and Responsibilities

Software Development and Engineering

• Mature research-level code into production-ready software that is secure, robust, optimized, clean, and modular.
• Refactor, optimize, and harden existing C++ code for performance, robustness, and maintainability.
• Apply secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle to deliver cybersecure software.
• Apply runtime optimization techniques such as parallelization or GPU acceleration to improve performance.
• Execute systems engineering tasking, including requirements definition, architecture, interface design, and integration planning.

AI/ML and Algorithm Development

• Develop, apply, and implement novel AI/ML methods and algorithms to address customer and program needs.
• Translate AI/ML research and prototypes into robust, deployable, production-ready software.
• Evaluate, benchmark, and optimize AI/ML models for accuracy, performance, and runtime efficiency.

Integration and User Experience

• Design and integrate software interfaces with other software systems (e.g., via APIs).
• Support UI/UX design and GUI development to deliver intuitive, user-friendly software.
• Establish and maintain documentation, version control, testing, and build/integration workflows.

Collaboration and Customer Support

• Coordinate and balance a diverse portfolio of tasks to support engineers across the company.
• Support customer meetings, demonstrations, and other externally facing activities.
• Document progress and results through reports and presentations to team members and customers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams and communicate progress, risks, and results clearly.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen with an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Experienced developer with strong coding, debugging, design, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong proficiency in C++, with working competency across additional languages such as Python, MATLAB, and Java.
• Experience developing and applying AI/ML methods and algorithms.
• Demonstrated experience taking software from prototype/research code to robust, production-ready quality.
• Experience with secure coding practices and software cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Familiarity with secure development frameworks or DoD cyber compliance practices.
• Experience using collaborative source code management (Git, Subversion), Agile Development, and DevSecOps.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, readily adapt to change, and respond to quick-turnaround requests.
• Self-starter who is highly organized, professional, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong skills in technical writing, documentation, and presentations.

Desired Qualifications

• Signal processing experience.
• UI/UX design and GUI development experience.
• Experience with trajectory simulation.
• Experience designing and integrating APIs and software interfaces across heterogeneous systems.
• Familiarity with modeling, simulation, and/or numerical/computational methods.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and static analysis tools.

Education/Experience

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant software development experience (additional experience considered for senior-level placement).

In compliance with federal laws contained in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all offers of employment are contingent upon an applicant's ability to satisfy federal requirements regarding proof of identity and the lawful right to be employed in the United States. Further, because in this position you may be given access to Confidential Unclassified Information (CUI), your continuing employment would then be contingent upon your satisfying a background check.

Base salary range is dependent on experience and qualifications

Due to the nature of our business and information associated with this position, interested candidates must be US Citizens.

Triton Systems' Headquarters is located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Come join our success and grow with the strength of these fascinating new technologies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Recruiters, we do not require any assistance for this opening. Please NO phone calls or emails.

Triton Systems is a U. S. Government contractor, therefore we are required to gather applicant information for Government reporting purposes. To apply for this position please go to our website's Careers section at www.tritonsystems.com and follow the Clicking Here link to our applicant tracking database to complete the application process. This will ensure efficient processing of your application.