TECHFORGE Solutions

Systems Integration Lead – Senior Software Engineer (Cleared)

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio•Full-time
$99,000 - $185,000 annually
About the Job
Location: Dayton, OH (on-site; remote with special access)
Clearance: Active Top Secret required ·
Eligibility: U.S. citizen
Travel: up to 25%

Position summary:
TECHFORGE Solutions is hiring a senior software engineer to serve as Systems Integration Lead on an Air Force modernization program. You will be the primary technical authority to the client, leading integration across software, hardware, data, and training efforts for fifth-generation and modernizing aircraft systems.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will guide decisions in customer and program meetings, translate complex technical detail into clear direction for leadership, and drive execution without step-by-step oversight.

Key responsibilities:
Technical leadership and client support:
  • Act as the lead technical voice in customer, contractor, and program meetings; guide decisions and explain how systems interact.
  • Brief leadership and non-technical stakeholders through weekly activity reports, staff meetings, and program reviews.
  • Identify technical challenges early, propose solutions, and own the execution path.
  • Lead, coordinate, and mentor a team of engineers and analysts.
Systems integration:
  • Define integration requirements, data transfer architectures, and connectivity paths across programs and partners.
  • Plan technical readiness for exercises, integration events, and demonstrations, including JADC2-related environments.
  • Map technical objectives to the personnel and skill sets needed to deliver them.
Software engineering oversight:
  • Review proposed software solutions against requirements and schedule; participate in technical and program reviews.
  • Develop and update program documentation, studies, and analysis reports.
  • Support software assurance, including program protection, cybersecurity, and airworthiness certification.
  • Recommend approaches for transition to post-modernization sustainment.
Risk and program support:
  • Trace technical risks to Key Performance Parameters and maintain them in the program risk tool.
  • Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to keep risk and status data current.
  • Lead production of technical demos, storyboards, and briefings for the client.

Required qualifications:
  • U.S. citizen with an active Secret clearance (or higher); able to pass a background check.
  • 10+ years of software engineering experience related to fifth-generation fighter aircraft or an aircraft system in modernization or sustainment.
  • 6+ years of professional software development, including 3+ years in C/C++ and 1+ year in Python or Java.
  • Proven experience leading systems integration across software, hardware, and data on DoD programs.
  • Working knowledge of Agile/iterative development and DoD acquisition and life-cycle processes.
  • Experience with weapon systems security engineering and cryptographic systems.
  • Experience with industry DevOps, source control and CI/CD tools (e.g. Git, GitLab, Bitbucket, Jenkins, Confluence, Jira, Azure DevOps).
  • Knowledge of classification handling and marking protocols.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including briefing senior leaders and non-technical audiences.

Education: Bachelor's + 10 years, Master's + 7 years, or PhD + 5 years in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field. 15+ years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics.
  • Experience with JADC2 concepts, data transfer architectures, or multi-domain integration events.
  • Modeling and simulation experience with AFSIM, NGTS, TMAP, ITASE, or MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Modern C++ (C++11 or later), object-oriented design, and Linux development.
  • Familiarity with Docker, WSL2, and IDEs such as Visual Studio, VS Code, or PyCharm.
  • Experience with program risk management tools and KPP traceability.
  • Comfortable with remote collaboration tools (Teams, WebEx, Zoom) and Confluence.

Why TECHFORGE:
TECHFORGE Solutions is a Dayton, Ohio aerospace and defense company delivering solutions in aerospace systems, autonomy, cloud, cybersecurity, data science, and enterprise risk governance.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Company-paid disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with guaranteed company contribution.
  • Paid time off, floating holidays, and community service time.
  • Tuition reimbursement and discounted tuition programs.
  • Hybrid work with a mix of remote and in-person collaboration.
Learn more at www.techforge.solutions.

Equal opportunity:
TECHFORGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. For accommodation requests, contact HR@techforge.solutions.
Physical requirements: prolonged computer use and sitting; regular verbal communication; varied noise levels; travel by car or air as required.