Software Developer

Idaho National Laboratory seeks Software Developers to apply engineering principles and create solutions for complex analytical processes, information visualization, and mission-critical applications supporting nuclear energy and national security research. You'll plan, develop, and implement software solutions to complex problems and major projects, support project planning with scope and cost estimates, participate in technical reviews at various development phases, and maintain and upgrade systems while developing new capabilities. Your responsibilities include creating and reviewing methodologies and architectures that advance organizational missions, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and quality requirements, documenting activities and technologies, writing technical papers representing Idaho National Laboratory, and reviewing source code and system documentation to assess quality and recommend improvements. You'll engage in professional development to maintain technical proficiency, define strategic direction in assigned areas, and mentor junior engineers while using IDEs, development languages, and emerging technologies.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain robust software applications and systems using C, C++, and Python.
• Architect and implement full software stacks from embedded/low-level firmware layers through application-level interfaces.
• Lead and contribute to software architecture design, ensuring scalability, modularity, and long-term maintainability.
• Perform software integration across hardware and software subsystems, ensuring seamless interoperability.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level test plans and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineers, hardware engineers, and mission specialists.
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and technical documentation efforts.
• Apply and adhere to safety-critical software development standards (e.g., DO-178C, MISRA C/C++, NASA-STD-8739.8, or equivalent).
• Support the development of software for nuclear systems and/or space flight applications, including real-time operating systems (RTOS) and flight software frameworks.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, toolchains, and best practices.
• Debug and resolve complex software defects and performance bottlenecks across the full software stack.
  

Required:

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field and 2 years of relevant experience; or a PhD degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering , or a related field and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, systems engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Full software stack development (embedded, middleware, and/or application layers).
• Software integration across complex hardware/software systems.
• Software architecture design and documentation.
• Version control and collaborative development (e.g., Git, SVN).
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python - must demonstrate strong command of all three languages.
• Experience with real-time systems development.
• Strong expertise with embedded hardware development.
• Solid understanding of operating systems concepts (Linux, RTOS such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, including Agile and/or waterfall.
• Experience writing and maintaining technical documentation (design documents, interface control documents, test procedures).
• Proficiency with debugging tools, static analysis tools, and profilers.
• This position requires that you obtain and maintain Q-clearance and SCI access, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience developing software for nuclear systems, including instrumentation and control (I&C), reactor monitoring, or safety systems

  Experience in space flight software development, including:

• Flight software architecture (e.g., NASA cFS, FSFW)
• GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) software integration.
• On-board data handling or command & telemetry systems.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles as applied to safety-critical systems.
• Experience with formal verification methods or software qualification processes.
• Active or ability to obtain a security clearance (if applicable).
• Familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, IEC 61508, IEEE 12207, or NASA-STD-8739.8.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and engineering excellence.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new domains and technologies.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard, and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Software Developer to work on our Instrumentation and Controls team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our REC facility with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288) / Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.