Software Development Engineer, Principal

As a Principal Software Development Engineer serves as a senior technical authority responsible for leading the design, architecture, development and validation of complex software systems and enhancements. Operating with broad autonomy, this role drives technical direction, resolves critical software issues, collaborates across engineering teams, and ensures robust, scalable and maintainable software solutions. You will also provide expert-level guidance to less experienced engineers, influences customer-facing software improvements and contributes to documentation, training and long-term software evolution.

Location: Frederick, MD (onsite)

We take care of our people!

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Salary: $ 165,000.00 to $190,000.00 annually
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Your Challenge:

• Lead the design, architecture, coding, testing and debugging of complex software systems and major enhancements to existing applications, ensuring high reliability and performance (20%).

• Diagnose and resolve the most complex software issues by collaborating with technical teams and applying expert-level troubleshooting and analytical skills (20%).

• Engage directly with customers to address high-impact software complaints, incorporate enhancement requests and guide modification strategies that improve product usability and performance (20%).

• Develop and maintain comprehensive software documentation, including user manuals, technical references and release notes, ensuring clarity and compliance with organizational standards (20%).

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and training to less experienced software engineers and collaborate with hardware or cross-functional teams on integrated solutions (20%).

• Understands how a power plant works and its components – desired

• Experience with TH codes (RELAP/MARS/Other) – desirable not specifically required

• Design, code, test, debug, and document software according to the functional requirements

• Provide technical expertise across multiple areas of application development

• Identify options for potential solutions and assess them for technical and business suitability

• Proficiency in Fortran preferred

• Can work independently with minimal supervision

• Can lead/coordinate a team of people to execute project tasks

• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail

• Competent use of English with good written and verbal communication skills

• A flexible approach and ability to adapt

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• 15+ years of progressive software development experience, including leadership of complex software programs.

• Expert-level proficiency in software architecture, design patterns, coding, debugging and advanced troubleshooting.

• Demonstrated success developing scalable software in high-complexity or high-reliability environments.

• Strong experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including hardware, systems and customer support.

• Proven ability to interface with customers to resolve issues and influence product improvements.

• Excellent written communication skills with experience creating user manuals, technical documentation and training materials.

• Strong mentoring, leadership and communication abilities with influence across multiple engineering disciplines.

Who We Are

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

WSC, a business of Curtiss-Wright, is a technology driven company with engineering simulation as its core competence. WSC's vision is to provide the Power Industry with innovative, state-of-the-art, simulation technology products and services, that will add value in the design, commissioning, and safe and reliable operation of their power generating or process plant assets.

https://nuclear.curtisswright.com/

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No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.