DARC Software Engineer

Job Title: DARC Software Engineer Job Description
This role focuses on developing, integrating, and supporting software for a new deep space radar program that operates 24/7 to detect, track, identify, and characterize objects in deep space. You will design and implement features in C++, Java, and JavaScript, contribute to continuous integration and deployment pipelines, and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure highly reliable, mission-critical software performance.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement new software features using C++ and Java for deep space radar applications.
- Contribute to front-end or supporting components using JavaScript as part of the overall software solution.
- Install, configure, and deploy software on the target radar system and associated environments.
- Document software changes, configurations, and deployments clearly and accurately.
- Identify, document, and report software problems or deficiency reports in a structured and traceable manner.
- Collaborate closely with the software team to troubleshoot and debug complex software issues across multiple environments.
- Perform expert-level debugging and root-cause analysis to resolve integration and runtime problems.
- Support ongoing software development, integration, and feature enhancements for future DARC software releases.
- Work with MATLAB to support analysis, modeling, or algorithm development as needed.
- Participate in Agile development activities, including planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
- Use tools such as JIRA and Confluence to manage work items, document designs, and track progress.
- Support software integration activities on Linux, Red Hat, and Windows platforms, including CI/CD workflows.
- Assist with software integration and testing for a 24/7 ground-based radar system, including shift work as required.
- Travel up to approximately 10% of the time to support program needs, integration events, or customer engagements.
- Adhere to security, configuration management, and quality assurance processes to maintain compliance and system reliability.
Essential Skills
- Active DoD Secret clearance at the time of application.
- 5 years of professional experience with a Bachelor of Science degree, or 3 years of experience with a Master of Science degree, or 1 year of experience with a PhD.
- Proven software development experience in C++.
- Proven software development experience in Java.
- Hands-on development experience with JavaScript.
- Ability to work with MATLAB for analysis or algorithm-related tasks.
- Current Security+ (SEC+) certification.
- Expert-level debugging skills, including troubleshooting complex software and integration issues.
- Familiarity with Linux and Red Hat operating systems.
- Familiarity with Windows operating systems.
- Experience with Agile development principles and practices.
- Experience using JIRA for task and issue tracking.
- Experience using Confluence for documentation and knowledge sharing.
- Ability to support shift work as needed for a 24/7 ground-based radar system.
- Ability to travel up to approximately 10% in support of program needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with digital signal processing is preferred.
- Experience with radar signal processing is preferred.
- Experience with software integration and debugging in complex, mission-critical systems.
- Familiarity with CI/CD practices and tools for automated integration and deployment.
- Background in working on defense or radar-related programs is beneficial.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Work Environment
The role supports a hybrid work schedule for a radar program, operating on a 9/80 schedule in which every other Friday is a remote workday. The primary work location is a facility near the Colorado Springs Airport, in the COCO-1 building, with no on-base work required. The environment supports a 24/7 ground-based radar system, so some shift work will be necessary to meet operational needs. You will work with technologies including C++, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB, Linux/Red Hat, Windows, and CI/CD toolchains, within an Agile development framework using JIRA and Confluence. The culture emphasizes innovation, reliability, and collaboration on a new deep space radar program that delivers all-weather, continuous tracking capabilities with high sensitivity, accuracy, and capacity.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Colorado Springs,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.