Senior Software Developer

Cepeda is seeking a Senior Software Developer for the STARS products branch. You will drive the technical evolution of mission‑critical warfighter training and planning tools. STARS FBM Planner is a Java based application that provides warfighters and sensor managers with the ability to rapidly plan, optimize, and deploy layered sensor search plans in operational timelines. Your software development will directly enhance the survivability and battlespace awareness of fielded assets, integrating high‑fidelity intelligence data, complex physics‑based models, and tactical hardware health into a streamlined operational tool.

• Support the software design for the FBM Planner suite, including the core man‑in‑the‑loop graphical user interface, the Rapid Response Tool (RRT), and the Socrates parsing utility.
• Design and maintain seamless interoperability with external intelligence and modeling frameworks, specifically the Threat Generation External (TGx) and the Threat Modeling Center (TMC) Threat Modeling & Simulation Suite (TMSS).
• Lead the implementation of heuristic algorithms for search plan optimization, deterministic statistical roll‑ups for Probability of Acquisition (Pacq), and 4/3 Effective Earth Radius models for terrain masking (using DTED).
• Ensure robust data ingestion and export pipelines for tactical log data from radars and tactical binary search plan files (SPT, OSP, Custom XML).
• Support the software team in adopting DoD Dev Sec Ops  best practices, ensuring all code meets rigorous cybersecurity standards for deployment in operational military environments.
• Contribute to a team of software engineers and radar systems analysts in translating complex physics and engineering models into scalable, performant software code.

• Technical Proficiency:
  • Strong programming expertise in modern languages utilized for defense modeling and UI (C++, Java, Python).
  • Experience with XML data structures and parsing utilities.
  • Familiarity with geospatial data processing and coordinate geometry (e.g., Vincenty Direct formulas, DTED/TDF integration).
• 9+ Years experience developing software within the DoD Modeling and Simulation (M&S) enterprise.

• Direct experience with phased‑array radar systems
• Familiarity with threat models
• Knowledge of radar detection theory, Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio (SNR) tracking logic, and Scattering Center Radar Cross Section (RCS) models.
• Previous experience supporting rapid prototyping and Warfighter Improvement Process (WIP) requirements.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must possess an Active DoD Secret clearance

Our industry‑leading benefits package goes above and beyond competitive salary commensuration for those just beginning their career and seasoned professionals alike. Our comprehensive benefits package includes full coverage medical insurance,paid leave and paid holidays, multiple retirement plan options, short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, and work/life benefits including career development and recognition programs. Other perks we offer are flexible work schedules, company‑sponsored events, and educational assistance.

Cepeda is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online systems and need accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following alternative email address to contact us about your interest in employment (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Cepeda provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non‑merit, based factors