Principal Software Developer (System Security)

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions, LLC builds security products that deliver deep OS-level protections for Windows, Linux, and VxWorks. As a Principal Software Developer (System Security) onsite in Huntsville, AL, you will help strengthen mission-critical systems through OS security features, detection and response, and lockdown capabilities that reduce exposed attack surface.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance OS-level security features that operate deep within the operating system
• Build detection and response mechanisms to counter advanced persistent threats
• Implement cryptographic binding of sensitive software to trusted hardware
• Create system lockdown capabilities to minimize attack surface
• Integrate with Hardware Root of Trust (HRoT) solutions
• Support multi-OS platforms, including Windows, Linux, and VxWorks
• Help protect against sophisticated attacks from well-funded adversaries
• Learn kernel programming and driver development on the job with mentorship from senior engineers

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional software development experience in systems-level programming
• Expert-level C/C++ with deep understanding of memory management, pointers, and low-level programming concepts
• Strong experience in OS-level systems programming with evidence you understand how the OS works under the hood
• Comfort debugging complex systems issues using tools such as gdb, WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, or similar
• Git proficiency working in a team environment
• Self-directed learning ability shown through independently mastering new technical domains
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance
• Education: University Degree or equivalent experience; or an Advanced Degree in a related field
• Education experience alignment: University Degree or equivalent with minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or Advanced Degree with minimum 5 years experience

Technologies you will work with

• C/C++, x86_64, ARM, assembly language
• Debugging: gdb, WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger
• Platforms and low-level components: Windows, Linux, VxWorks, kernel modules, device drivers, system services
• Driver models and tooling: Linux Driver Model, WDM/WDF/WDK
• Security and platform trust: cryptography, TPM, Secure Boot, UEFI, HRoT
• Scripting for automation/testing: Python, Batch

What sets qualified candidates apart

• Experience working close to the OS: kernel modules, device drivers, system services, OS internals, or security tools
• Background in security-sensitive code such as anti-malware, EDR, security monitoring, or exploit mitigation
• Strong grounding in operating system concepts including process/thread management, memory management, I/O systems, and interrupt handling
• Assembly language experience for x86_64 and ARM, including reading and debugging at the instruction level
• Experience with scripting languages like Python and Batch for automation and testing
• Familiarity with security concepts including cryptography, threat modeling, and attack surfaces
• Knowledge of boot processes, firmware, or hardware security such as TPM, Secure Boot, and UEFI
• Understanding of Linux driver model and/or Windows driver models (WDM/WDF/WDK), even at a conceptual level

Why join this team

• Work on technology protecting critical DoW weapon systems and platforms
• Learn from senior engineers with 15+ years of experience in mission-critical system protection
• Grow expertise in Linux/Windows internals, kernel development, and low-level security
• Contribute to a multi-layer cyber resiliency portfolio spanning hardware, firmware, software, and network layers
• See direct impact of your work on national security
• Access cutting-edge tools, training, and technologies
• Recognition for exceptional results