Software Engineer - Integration & Mission Applications
Job Description
Location: San Diego, CA (On-Site, Full-Time Employee)
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Travel: 10%
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Salary Range: $120,000-$250,000
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Who We Are:
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Digital Force Technologies (DFT) is a San Diego-based defense technology company focused on solving complex national security challenges through advanced engineering and rapid innovation. We bring together talented engineers, scientists, and operators to develop practical solutions that bridge the gap between emerging technology and real-world operational needs.
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What We Build:
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DFT develops, manufactures, and fields Full-Stack Mission Systems powered by SeraphimOS for applications ranging from Counter-UAS to Critical Infrastructure protection. Our software brings sensing, fusion, decision support, and mission execution together at the tactical edge, where communications can be constrained and reliability matters. We build interoperable systems that help operators understand complex environments and act with speed and confidence. Engineers at DFT work across software, hardware, and operational teams, with opportunities to see their work tested and deployed.
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The Opportunity:
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At DFT, software engineers don't just build applications, they build the intelligence and connective tissue behind autonomous mission systems. You'll work on challenging problems spanning real-time sensing, distributed computing, AI, robotics, and human-machine teaming, with the opportunity to take software from initial concept through field deployment.
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We hire engineers based on capability, not years of experience. Whether you're an emerging developer or an established technical leader, you'll have opportunities to take meaningful ownership, solve difficult engineering problems, and see your work operate in the real world. Your level and responsibilities will reflect what you can demonstrate and the impact you're ready to make.
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As a SeraphimOS Integration & Mission Applications engineer at DFT, you will connect diverse sensors, autonomous platforms, and external systems into a unified operational capability.
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What You Will Do:
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- Build and maintain adapters, protocol integrations, and diagnostic tools for third-party systems.
- Own integration verification from lab environments through field exercises and customer deployments.
- Investigate timing, networking, data-format, and interoperability issues across software and hardware boundaries.
- Automate deployment, configuration validation, test collection, and operational troubleshooting.
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Core Capabilities:
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- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Rust, Python or C++, with the ability and willingness to learn additional languages as needed. Experience developing and debugging software in Linux environments. Depth of expertise evaluated relative to role level.
- Familiarity with Linux, networking, scripting, and systems debugging; depth of expertise evaluated relative to role level.
- Experience integrating external APIs, protocols, SDKs, and hardware-connected software.
- Ability to communicate clearly across software engineering, systems engineering, and field teams.
- A relevant technical degree or equivalent demonstrated ability through work, research, internships, open-source contributions, or independent projects.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
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Experience & Leveling:
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We consider candidates at multiple engineering levels; there is no fixed minimum number of professional years. Relevant evidence may come from industry work, research, internships, open-source contributions, personal projects, or military technical experience. Candidates are assessed on fundamentals, problem solving, collaboration, technical judgment, and demonstrated ownership. Hiring level is determined through a consistent skills-based evaluation.
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Especially Valuable:
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- MAVLink, TAK, military interoperability standards, telemetry, or sensor SDKs.
- CI/CD, containers, network packet analysis, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or field test operations.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools and agentic workflows to improve engineering productivity, while maintaining strong technical judgment, code quality, and ownership.
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How We Work:
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We value practical problem solving, engineering rigor, thoughtful design reviews, automated testing, clear documentation, and ownership from prototype through deployment. Occasional travel to integration events, demonstrations, or field tests may be required.
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Benefits and Compensation:
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DFT offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with company match; life and short-term disability insurance; three weeks of PTO; and 13 company holidays. This is a multi-level recruiting opportunity. Final title and compensation will be aligned with demonstrated skills, relevant experience, and role scope.
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Equal Opportunity:
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DFT is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.