Senior Software Engineer - Real-Time Distributed Systems

District Partners is supporting one of the most advanced, mission-driven defense tech companies in the country. They’re considered the gold standard in modern national security engineering, and we’re helping them expand a team that’s building software with real-world impact.

These Software Engineers join a flagship program that’s been in the national spotlight for both its ambition and its operational importance. The work blends autonomy, robotics, sensor fusion, high-performance distributed systems, and real-time mission software. You’re not tweaking settings pages; the code you write affects real-world outcomes

.
This is production engineering at the edge. It’s hands-on, hardware-adjacent, and deeply technical. You’re building systems that coordinate sensors, process massive data streams, and make decisions across a distributed network where milliseconds matte

r.
The engineering challenges here are the real de

• al:Real-time distributed systems where latency actually matt
• ersHigh-performance C++, RUST and Python driving autonomy, tracking, and decision engi
• nesSensor fusion across radar, EO/IR, RF, and simulation inp
• utsSoftware that spans hardware, cloud, and edge comp
• uteRobotics-adjacent work that requires clean abstractions and strong fundament
• alsA culture built around precision, pace, and engineers who think clearly under press

ure
They want depth, not “good enough.” Strong CS fundamentals are non-negotiable, and the technical bar is high by des

ign.
What they look

• for:7+ years building production-grade sof
• twareProfessional experience with languages such as Java, Python, C++, Rust, Go, and JavaS
• criptMastery of algorithms, data structures, concurrency, and netwo
• rkingExperience working in real-time, distributed, or safety-critical sy
• stemsComfort working close to hardware, sensors, and simulation environ
• mentsA mindset made for solving difficult problems with clean, reliable

code
Location + Clea

• rance:These roles are full-time onsite in Washingto
• n, DC.An active Top Secret clearance is required. No excep

tions.
Compen

• sation:Compensation is designed to match the technical bar, with total comp reaching the 250k+ range through base salary, bonus, and
• equity.The client will fly candidates in for onsite interviews and offers relocation s

upport.
The process is selective but straight

• forward:Two video interviews focused on fundamentals, systems thinking, and collaborative problem
• -solvingOne onsite intervi
• ew in DCA real-time coding assessment (video + in-person) that evaluates depth, clarity of thought, and the ability to write clean, correct code under realistic co

nditions
This company invests heavily in evaluating talent because they want elite engineers—and they’re building a team that refle