Senior Software Engineer - Mission Systems Integration

Redhorse Corporation
United StatesFull-timePosted Aug 31, 2026

About the role

About The Organization

Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.

About The Role

Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. To support this mission, we are seeking a Senior Software Engineer – Mission Systems Integrations to drive the development, integration, and modernization of mission-critical tactical systems for defense and national security stakeholders.

In this role, you will be the technical integration backbone bridging tactical-edge operations with enterprise-scale data platforms. You will design, build, and deploy high-performance software solutions leveraging the TAK (Tactical Assault Kit / Team Awareness Kit) ecosystem and Cursor on Target (CoT) architectures, directly enhancing real-time situational awareness and decision advantage for operators in high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and integrate custom plugins, services, and middleware within the TAK ecosystem (ATAK, WinTAK, TAK Server, and MILTAK)

Architect and implement Cursor on Target (CoT) data schemas, translations, and event-routing pipelines between tactical devices and enterprise cloud systems

Configure, scale, deploy, and maintain TAK Server instances across diverse on-premise, edge, and cloud operating environments

Build reliable, low-latency APIs and data ingestion pipelines to ingest multi-source sensor and intelligence feeds into tactical situational awareness interfaces

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, product managers, and government stakeholders to translate operational mission requirements into scalable technical solutions

Implement automated CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments, and rigorous testing frameworks for edge-deployed mission software

Troubleshoot complex tactical network, protocol, and integration issues across heterogeneous environments.

Required Experience/Clearance

Active DoD Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience)

7+ years of professional software engineering and systems integration experience

3+ years of hands-on technical experience within the TAK protocol ecosystem, including Cursor on Target (CoT) messaging, TAK Server configuration/management, and ATAK/WinTAK/MILTAK integration

Strong proficiency in at least two core programming languages: Java/Kotlin (Android/TAK Server plugins), C#/.NET (WinTAK), C++, or Python

Proven experience with network protocols, real-time messaging systems (WebSockets, TCP/UDP, ZeroMQ, MQTT), and data serialization formats (XML, JSON, Protocol Buffers)

Experience working with version control systems (e.g., Git/GitLab) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker)

Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% to customer sites, test events, and field integration exercises as needed

Desired Experience

We encourage all candidates who meet the basic requirements to apply, even if you do not have any of the following experience:

Experience developing custom ATAK Android plugins using the ATAK Plugin SDK

Familiarity with tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, VMF, SADL) and defense geospatial formats (e.g., KML/KMZ, GeoTIFF, NITF)

Hands-on experience deploying TAK Server or mission applications in cloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Microsoft Azure Government)

Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes) and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible)

Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, STIG compliance, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) standards

The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable.

Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at Talent-Acquisition@redhorsecorp.com

Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate custom plugins, services, and middleware within the TAK ecosystem
  • Architect and implement Cursor on Target (CoT) data schemas and event-routing pipelines
  • Configure, scale, deploy, and maintain TAK Server instances across diverse environments
  • Build reliable, low-latency APIs and data ingestion pipelines
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate operational mission requirements
  • Implement automated CI/CD pipelines and rigorous testing frameworks
  • Troubleshoot complex tactical network and integration issues

Qualifications

  • Active DoD Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
  • 7+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience within the TAK protocol ecosystem
  • Strong proficiency in at least two core programming languages
  • Experience with network protocols and real-time messaging systems
  • Familiarity with version control systems and containerization technologies

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits programs
  • Performance-based or other incentive compensation

Skills mentioned

JavaKotlinC#PythonWebSocketsTCP/IPGitDockerCI/CDAPI Integration

About Redhorse Corporation

We want to improve the way government interacts with and uses data and technology. Redhorse combines top-tier consulting experience with a passion for problem-solving to help clients address mission-critical government problems. We roll up our sleeves and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to understand their issues and find solutions, using digital transformation and artificial intelligence, partnered with our domain expertise in National Security, Networking Technology and Infrastructure.

IT Services and IT Consulting201-500 employeesArlington, VA