Lead Mission Engineer - Full Stack

systemstechnologyresearch

San Diego, CA · San Diego · United States

Posted Jul 23, 2026

Full-time
Mission Applications (MA)

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Job description

About the Team:

Information processing and sense-making systems are the lifeblood of national security efforts, facilitating an understanding of the global situation, strategic planning, and tactical execution. The reliability, accessibility, and sophistication of these systems can determine the outcomes of conflicts before they begin. STR’s Analytics and Command & Control (AC2) Division focuses on developing actionable, advanced technology solutions to provide asymmetric advantages within the information domain.

The Mission Applications (MA) Group within the AC2 Division specializes in ensuring the technology that STR creates produces outsized mission impact. Staff within the MA group have a deep understanding of missions and technology needs for national security with skills targeting transition of technology to operational use, including product management, UX Product implementation, software integration & mission engineering, platform engineering, DevOps, and program management. MA staff combine with other science and engineering staff from the various STR research and development groups to form dedicated product teams focused on accelerating the operational transition of cutting-edge software technologies.

The Role:

As a Mission Engineer (Full Stack) in the Mission Applications Group, you will develop and deploy software essential for a specific, real-world objective or "mission" in partnership with our customers. You have: 1) expertise in developing and deploying software solutions in complex and high-security environments, 2) deep domain knowledge in the complex missions executed across the Department of Defense, and 3) expertise in modern frameworks, building full stack applications, and integrating APIs for deployment in high-security environments.

You will work as a leader of software teams to design, develop, and maintain software systems deployed in operational use. You have experience managing customer relationships while simultaneously leading engineering teams to ensure the delivered product meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. 

What you will do:

Build Prototype Capabilities: Break down use cases and user-defined problems, build an MVP, and rapidly evolve a solution into a cohesive application
Develop and Enhance Features: Create high-performance, visually appealing frontend solutions that handle complex use cases effectively. Ensure the product is fast, smooth, and intuitive to use, even under heavy load
System Integration: Leading cross functional engineering teams to design, build, and deploy a cohesive system. Integrate independent capabilities into existing solutions
Customer Collaboration: Working closely with end-users and customers, who are typically military or Government operators, to understand their requirements and translate them into software features. You are experienced in product discovery best practices
Deployment and Field Testing: Traveling to integration sites to deploy, test, and triage software in secure operational environments. On average, travel to customer sites should not exceed one week per month

Who You Are:

Active Secret Security Clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret level with SCI Eligibility
BS in Computer Science or related technical field with at least 7 years of work experience. Equivalent experience will be considered
Experience deploying software for DoD or IC missions
A passion for crafting user-centric interfaces and a keen eye for design details
Demonstrated strong knowledge of modern technologies such as React, TypeScript, and Python
Knowledge of performance-focused tools and techniques for rendering large datasets and building responsive, smooth interfaces
A demonstrated ability to adopt new languages, libraries, and technologies
Organized, detail-oriented, and with an ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Demonstrated experience as an effective communicator to both technical and non-technical audiences

Even Better:

Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related technical field
Prior US Military Service with experience in joint planning, large force battle monitoring, and fluidity with large force debrief best practices
Located in San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Arlington, VA, or Boston, MA, or willing to relocate

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $175,000 - $240,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.