Software Developer Contract Jobs in Alhambra, CA

SAIC is seeking an experienced Software Engineer, to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in developing, deploying, and sustaining National Security Space systems. In this critical role, you will work directly with government, technical, and industry stakeholders to design, integrate, configure, and optimize data-driven software solutions that enable mission execution across complex operational environments.

This position, based in El Segundo, CA, supports the Horizon contract within the Space C2 Program Management Office and requires close collaboration with program stakeholders to meet mission-critical objectives. As part of this role, you will work closely with the Space Systems Command's (SSC) Battle Management Command, Control, Communications & Intelligence (BMC3I) Program Office.

Your primary responsibilities will include contributing to the software development, system architecture, and the expansion of the Space C2 program, with a strong emphasis on Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) principles, integration across multiple domains, and proficiency with Agile software development best practices. You will collaborate daily with Program Managers, Product Owners, System Engineers, Users, Contracting Officers, and external/partner organizations to ensure mission alignment and operational success.

• Serve as the Software Development & Palantir Foundry Expert: Develop and maintain mission-focused software solutions by leveraging expertise in messaging technologies (e.g., Kafka, AMQP), patterns, protocols, data structures, and data engineering. Utilize the Palantir Foundry technology stack, including Ontology SDK, Foundry Transforms, Code Workbooks, Pipeline Builder, and AI/ML integrations, to design effective solutions.
• Support Architectural Design: Develop and implement MOSA-compliant architectures to deliver modular, scalable, and interoperable software solutions enabling joint domain integration across space, air, ground, cyber, and terrestrial domains.
• Lead Agile & DevSecOps Practices: Utilize Agile methodologies and technologies (e.g., ArgoCD) to lead development efforts. Incorporate DevSecOps principles to ensure iterative, secure, and reliable delivery of mission-critical capabilities.
• Lead Integration Solution decision making: Architect and develop multi-domain data integration pipelines, leveraging Palantir Foundry tools to aggregate, normalize, and enable seamless integration of sensor, intelligence, and C2 data across domains.
• Support System Engineering & Program Strategy: Contribute to the development of system engineering documentation, including CONOPs, requirements definitions, and integration blueprints. Support the refinement of program acquisition strategies while providing guidance to address technical challenges and identify solutions.
• Support Joint Domain Data Fusion: Leverage Palantir Foundry’s capabilities for multi-domain data fusion, enabling operational insights and decision-making for joint domain integration aligned with DoD joint warfighting frameworks like CJADC2.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with combatant commands (CCMDs), service components, and Intelligence Community (IC) agencies, providing trusted technical advice and ensuring alignment with DoD joint domain strategy and standards.
• Support software sustainment, enhancement, and modernization efforts for mission-critical capabilities operating across secure and complex DoD environments and varying classification levels.
• Document technical solutions, interfaces, workflows, and engineering decisions to support maintainability, knowledge transfer, and Government oversight.

• Must have 14 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Management Information Systems/Information Systems, or a related discipline; or a Master's degree and 12 years of experience; or a PhD/JD and 9 years of experience.
• 6 + years of experience supporting software engineering, systems integration, platform implementation, or application development efforts within DoD, IC, SAP/SCI, or other complex mission environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with Palantir Foundry, Gotham, or similar data integration / operational decision-support platforms in support of mission or enterprise objectives.
• Experience developing, integrating, or configuring software solutions that support data workflows, operational use cases, user-facing applications, and cross-platform interoperability.
• Experience supporting the software engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Experience working with Agile software delivery teams and collaborating across engineering, product, and mission stakeholders to deliver incremental capability.
• Experience with modern data integration concepts, pipelines, APIs, data modeling, and workflow automation in secure enterprise or mission systems.
• Familiarity with cloud-enabled software architectures, DevSecOps practices, and software deployment within classified or mission-sensitive environments is desired.
• Requires an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information and Special Program access, as well as a willingness to consent to a polygraph examination.

• Experience implementing or supporting Palantir Foundry and/or Gotham in operational, defense, intelligence, or mission command environments.
• Experience supporting Operationally Accepted software applications, data environments, or mission applications within SSC, Space Force, or broader DoD mission systems.
• Strong understanding of data ontology, data modeling, object relationships, workflow automation, and operational application configuration in Palantir environments.
• Experience integrating disparate mission systems, intelligence data, C2 systems, readiness data, or space domain awareness data into a unified operational environment.
• Experience developing dashboards, mission applications, or user workflows that enable commanders, operators, analysts, or mission planners to make faster and better-informed decisions.
• Familiarity with software solutions supporting space operations, integrated fires, command and control, or joint/combined operational mission threads.
• Experience operating in DevSecOps, platform engineering, or hybrid cloud environments supporting software delivery in secure programs.
• Strong systems engineering mindset with the ability to connect technical implementation details to operational mission outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, architects, operators, and senior Government leadership while translating technical concepts into mission-relevant value.
  Proven ability to work in highly regulated, fast-moving environments where technical excellence, mission responsiveness, and stakeholder coordination are all critical to success.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.