Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.

The Role

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to play a key role in designing and delivering next-generation AR pilot training systems. This position is highly hands-on, driving complex software development while also providing functional leadership to a small team of engineers. You will work across rendering systems, game engine infrastructure, and simulation environments to deliver high-impact features for our military customers.

In addition to your technical contributions, you will guide and mentor four engineers, ensuring alignment with program goals, technical standards, and delivery timelines. This role is ideal for someone who thrives as an individual contributor while also shaping a high-performance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize complex software systems for AR/VR training environments using C++ and Unreal Engine.
• Lead technical design efforts across real-time rendering, simulation, and system-level features.
• Write high-quality, performant, and maintainable code while upholding best practices in testing and documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship, career guidance, and feedback to a team of four engineers.
• Conduct code reviews and foster knowledge-sharing to elevate technical excellence across the team.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Product, and cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical solutions.
• Drive architectural decisions and contribute to long-term technology strategy.
• Engage with military partners and stakeholders to translate operational needs into technical capabilities.
• Promote a collaborative, innovative, and disciplined engineering culture aligned with Red 6's mission.

Experience, Skills, and Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional C++ development experience, including systems programming and performance optimization.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience in a software engineering management or technical leadership role.
• Certified SCRUM Master or strong understanding of the SCRUM process.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or similar high-performance game engines.
• Proficiency in Linux development environments.
• Deep understanding of multithreaded programming, memory management, and system-level performance tuning.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
• Willingness to travel for customer integrations and demonstrations as required (up to 10%).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with build systems, compiler toolchains, and content pipelines.
• Expertise in 3D math, simulation, and numerical computing.
• Experience with real-time interactive applications such as multiplayer games, live simulation systems, or AR/VR platforms.
• Background with sensors, image processing, or data-driven rendering.
• Familiarity with Jira, Perforce, Confluence, or similar tools.
• Military, defense, or law enforcement background, or experience working on mission-critical applications, is highly valued.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision (100% coverage for Employees)
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and parental leave
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)

Red 6 reserves the right to change its current benefits program at any time, in a manner that is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations.

This job description is not a contract and confers no contractual rights, privileges, or benefits on any applicant or potential applicant. Red 6 has the right to change any and all terms of this job description, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits. Nothing in this job description constitutes an offer or guarantee of employment.

Red Six Aerospace, Inc, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.