We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, integration, and verification of software for the Bench Checkout Equipment (BCE) supporting NASA’s Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE) mission. This position is part time and requires an experienced technical leader with deep expertise in automated test equipment, precision instrumentation, hardware control, and complex system integration.

The Principal Software Engineer will establish the BCE software architecture and technical direction, lead the development of instrument control and monitoring capabilities, and ensure reliable data acquisition, processing, product generation, and communications with Integration and Test (I&T) Ground Support Equipment. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver robust, maintainable, and verifiable software that meets the project’s technical, interface, and quality requirements for a NASA Class C mission.

This is a part-time position supporting the SESDA V contract at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optics, or a closely related technical field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in software engineering for automated test equipment, hardware validation, systems integration, precision instrumentation, or related engineering systems.
• Demonstrated experience architecting and delivering complex software systems that interface directly with hardware and laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong programming expertise in LabVIEW and/or Python, including hardware control, test automation, data acquisition, data analysis, and orchestration of automated test sequences.
• Demonstrated experience integrating and controlling LiDAR instrumentation or LiDAR test equipment.
• Extensive experience with instrument communication standards and interfaces, including SCPI and VISA.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, and serial communications, with experience working with protocols such as UART, SPI, I²C, and CAN/CAN-FD as applicable.
• Experience developing and managing software interfaces, ICDs, test procedures, and engineering documentation.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory integration and troubleshooting, including adherence to ESD and laser safety protocols.
• Ability to lead technical discussions, resolve complex integration problems, communicate design decisions, and coordinate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 1 Investigation through NASA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting NASA missions, aerospace instrumentation, satellite payloads, or other high-reliability scientific systems.
• Experience with laser altimetry, optical instrumentation, ranging systems, waveform digitization, precision timing, or laser communication systems.
• Proficiency in C++ or MATLAB in addition to LabVIEW or Python.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, automated verification frameworks, and instrument performance characterization.
• Familiarity with requirements traceability, configuration management, formal design reviews, and verification processes for NASA Class C missions.
• Experience leading software architecture and technical integration across multiple hardware and software subsystems.
• Experience with data-intensive instrumentation systems, high-throughput data acquisition, and robust data-product generation and transfer.

Team ADNET brings over 30+ years of experience to information systems and professional services for the federal government. With a history of expertise in software development, computer network design, IT security, mission operations support, and educational outreach, Team ADNET is deeply embedded in the Space and Earth Science at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.

ADNET Systems, Inc. is working with Goddard Space Flight Center to fulfill NASA’s vision for space exploration, and working with the Science and Exploration Directorate to fulfill its many missions.