Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Somerville, MA

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer / Technical Program Manager to own both the technical architecture and program execution of the Multimode Threat Engagement Simulation Platform - a standalone, high-performance desktop application for defense mission planning. This is a dual-charter role: you are the technical authority for the software stack and the program manager accountable to the government customer for schedule, cost, and delivered capability.

What sets this role apart from a traditional software lead is the breadth of sensor and phenomenology domain knowledge required. The platform integrates physics-based models spanning RF/radar detection, electro-optical and infrared sensor performance and multi-sensor fusion into a single coherent mission analysis tool. You will work directly with RF and EO/IR engineers to translate their models into the software - which means you need enough domain fluency to review their work, design the right APIs, make informed trade-off decisions, and present results credibly to government customers who are subject matter experts in these disciplines.

***Contingent upon contract award***

Technical Leadership

• Own the end-to-end software architecture: Julia-based computation backend (trajectory simulation, orbital mechanics, Monte Carlo analysis, surrogate ML inference), React/TypeScript frontend with CesiumJS 3D geospatial visualization, and Electron desktop shell targeting Windows and Linux
• Make and document architecture decisions: data flow between physics backend and frontend, API contracts, mission data schema, CZML generation for Cesium time-dynamic animation, and cross-platform build pipeline (GitHub Actions, electron-builder, PackageCompiler.jl)
• Lead technical design reviews; review and approve all major pull requests; maintain code quality, test coverage, and documentation standards across the team
• Define performance requirements and validate that the computation backend meets them: Monte Carlo throughput, surrogate model inference latency (<1ms), trajectory integration accuracy vs. fidelity trade-offs
• Architect the integration layer for all sensor performance models - RF/radar, EO/IR, acoustic, and sensor fusion - ensuring the software framework correctly represents each sensor's measurement model, coordinate frame, and uncertainty characterization
• Evaluate and select third-party libraries, frameworks, and AI/ML tooling; maintain the technology roadmap
• Mentor and technically direct the Staff Software Engineers; conduct structured code reviews with explicit learning objectives

Program Management

• Own program execution: schedule, technical performance, and risk management; present status at monthly program reviews and government milestone events
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for government sponsors, CORs, and prime contractor program offices
• Develop and maintain the program's technical roadmap, sprint backlog, and release plan; manage scope changes through a formal change control process
• Identify, track, and mitigate technical risks; maintain the risk register and drive mitigation actions to closure
• Coordinate with domain engineering leads (RF, EO/IR) on model delivery schedules, interface specifications, and V&V evidence packages
• Support proposal development: author technical volumes, basis of estimate (BOE) for software labor, and past performance write-ups for follow-on work
• Coordinate with the program security officer on RMF/ATO milestones for NIPR and SIPR deployment

Domain Integration

• Maintain working knowledge of RF/radar detection theory sufficient to architect and review the radar sensor model integration layer: range equation parameterization, RCS and clutter model interfaces, Pd/Pfa curve generation, and EW effects inputs
• Maintain working knowledge of EO/IR sensor performance modeling sufficient to design the EO/IR model API: NETD/NEFD, DRI range calculation interfaces, IR signature input formats, and probability-of-acquisition output schema
• Maintain working knowledge of multi-sensor fusion architecture sufficient to design the track fusion data model: state vector formats, covariance representation, association result schemas, and fused track confidence output
• Translate cross-domain analysis results into clear, non-technical language for government program offices and end-user briefings

***Contingent upon contract award***

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance

Education: B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related STEM field

Years of Experience: 10+ years of software development experience, with at least 3 years in a technical lead or architect role

Certifications: NA

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: Active TS/SCI

Education: MS degree in STEM

Years of experience: 15

Certifications: PMP, DAWIA Program Management Level I/II, or equivalent program management credential

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Julia with the SciML / DifferentialEquations.jl ecosystem; experience with PackageCompiler.jl for standalone binary deployment
• Experience with CesiumJS, Resium, and CZML for time-dynamic 3D geospatial visualization
• Hands-on experience with ONNX Runtime or ONNX.jl for surrogate model inference
• Familiarity with all four phenomenology domains: RF/radar, EO/IR, acoustic, and sensor fusion at an integration-architecture level
• Experience with electron-builder for Windows (NSIS) and Linux (AppImage) cross-platform packaging
• Prior work on DoD defense simulation or mission planning tools (STK, AFSIM, EADSIM, or equivalent

Additional Information

Location: Colorado Springs, CO or Boston, MA

Travel: Approx. 15-20%

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Hybrid

#LI-JK1

***Contingent upon contract award***

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.Odyssey Benefits