Software Engineer (Entry Level or Associate)

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Entry Level or Associate Software Engineer (Level 1 or 2) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are looking for a highly skilled individual who will design and develop user interfaces for technical/engineering applications and will support the hardware, firmware, and software development of electro-optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities.  The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the command and control of adaptive optics systems and subsystems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team.  Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:   

• Design and develop user interfaces for command and control of adaptive optics systems and subsystems.

• Create engineering UIs for system configuration, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting tools.

• Design interfaces that communicate with hardware via HTTP protocols for real-time system monitoring and control.

• Collaborate with engineers and operators to understand complex technical requirements and workflows.

• Develop both simple single-purpose tools and complex multi-system management applications.

• Create intuitive interfaces for operational environments and high-stakes control scenarios.

• Participate in system architecture discussions to ensure UI designs align with hardware capabilities and constraints.

• Conduct user research with engineers and operators to optimize workflows for technical users.

• Iterate on designs based on field testing and operational feedback.

• Maintain and enhance existing control system interfaces.

• Document UI specifications and design decisions for technical stakeholders.

• Learn and apply domain knowledge in adaptive optics, control systems, and embedded hardware to inform design decisions.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 

• Experience in Java and/or C++ GUI frameworks (Swing, JavaFX, etc.)

• Experience HTTP communication protocols and client-server architectures

• Experience with writing software for low level device interface control as well as graphical user interface applications

• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 2+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

• Experience designing interfaces for technical/engineering applications

• Experience designing real-time monitoring and control interfaces

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to understand complex technical systems

• Experience working directly with engineers and technical end-users

• Knowledge of GUI application design patterns and best practices

• Ability to design for high-precision, mission-critical environments

• Strong attention to detail and understanding of error handling in UI design

• Excellent technical communication skills

• Experience with embedded systems or hardware interface design

• Knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, or optical systems

• Experience designing for military, aerospace, or defense applications

• Familiarity with real-time data visualization

• Understanding of network protocols and distributed system architectures

• Experience with scientific/engineering software tools (MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc.)

• Knowledge of signal processing concepts and waveform analysis

• Experience designing for high-reliability, fault-tolerant systems

• Familiarity with calibration and testing workflow design

• Understanding of system integration and multi-subsystem coordination

• Experience with version control and collaborative development environments

  

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Entry Level (Level 1) Summary pay range: $66,300 - $89,700

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $79,900 – $108,100

Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 20, 2025

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details: US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Experience Level
Individual Contributor
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.