Research Software Engineer

Program Overview

About The Role

Peraton Labs is seeking a hands-on Research Software Engineer to join our Autonomous Systems team and build reliable, production-quality software in support of advanced prototyping and experimentation (research background a plus but not required). This position is perfect for an engineer who thrives in ambiguity, works independently, consistently delivers tangible outputs, and is interested in supporting AI enhanced defense related applications and networking systems.

For this position, we’re looking for a software engineer with solid experience in modern Java, Python and C/C++. The candidate must hold strong networking fundamentals and solid Linux-based development experience.

Key responsibilities may include-

• Design, build, and maintain software components supporting AI enhanced defense related applications and networking systems
• Develop clean, testable, maintainable code in Java, Python and C/ C++
• Implement and integrate services that interact with networked systems and data flows
• Translate loosely defined needs into working software: clarify requirements, propose approaches, execute, and iterate
• Produce clear technical artifacts such as design notes, readmes, diagrams, test plans, and implementation documentation
• Collaborate with various teams and programs while owning deliverables end-to-end

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a BS with 5+ years of experience, MS with 3+ years of experience or PhD with 1+ YoE in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field
• Demonstrated experience as a Software Engineer in a professional environment
• Deep expertise in modern Java with minimum of 5000 LoC development in Python and C/C++ in the last 5 years
• Solid networking fundamentals:
  • IP stack basics- TCP/UDP, sockets, DNS, routing concepts
  • Network config concepts- Subnetting, VLANs, interface configuration
  • Protocol layering and network architecture
• Proficiency with Linux, Git, and Docker for building, debugging, packaging, and running services/containers. Hands-on Linux use within the past 2 years required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver working software in iterative cycles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (technical + well-structured documentation)
• Candidates must be local to and willing to commute to our Basking Ridge, NJ location.
• US Citizenship is a requirement for this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience Java tools / frameworks such as Spring, Lombok and MapStruct
• Experience with Kubernetes
• Experience with microservices-based architectures (e.g., service decomposition, API design, resilience patterns, observability)
• Familiarity with P ublish / Subscribe systems such as RabbitMQ and Kafka
• Familiarity with controlled lab/testbed environments
• Military domain experience specific to Command and Control (C2) systems, military communications and networking, and/or message formats/protocols
• Experience applying ML to cybersecurity or network analytics, such as:
  • Intrusion detection, anomaly detection, malware/behavior modeling
  • Cyber deception/defense concepts, telemetry analytics pipelines
• Evidence of technical impact beyond day-to-day delivery:
  • Open-source contributions, patents, peer-reviewed publications, or other research/engineering impact

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Duration Statement: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.