Senior Software Specialist – DSEF

Senior Software Specialist – DSEF

03/27/2025

Company Overview: 
KWESST develops and delivers next generation military and public safety technology for military and first responder customers. The company is proudly Canadian and provides Dismounted/Mounted Domain Expertise in Command-and-Control software development, integration, and support services. 

Job Description: 
KWESST is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Specialist to become a part of our team. This position will be to support the Canadian Armed Forces as part of the Director Land Command Support Program Management (DLCSPM)  of the Department of National Defence’s (DND’s) Software Engineering Facility (DSEF) program in Gatineau, Qc.  

This position is for on-site work in Gatineau, QC. The prospective candidate must hold an active Secret security clearance. 

The ideal candidate should come with a solid background in software architecture and development in a Client/Server or Collaborative environment. Core responsibilities will involve the design, implementation, and management of DND’s Command and Control Specialty Applications, with a focus on maintaining the reliability and scalability of these applications. This crucial role will contribute to our mission of developing state-of-the-art software solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces. 

Job Responsibilities: 

  1. Manage, analyze, design, model, and implement software systems and provide development oversight. 
  1. Provide software and application integration, analysis, and evaluation support. 
  1. Recommend software related system level solutions for discrepancies, deficiencies, and changes to equipment and specifications. 
  1. Liaise with software development and application technical groups to ensure system integrity, performance, reliability, and maintainability. 
  1. Review, analyze, and provide recommendation on software and applications, components and interface documentation. 
  1. Prepare the planning and procurement support documentation for software and applications. 
  1. Conduct design, technical, and management reviews to monitor, advise, and report on progress and potential problems. 
  1. Conduct and/or witness software integration testing and evaluation. 
  1. Conduct technical definition studies and options analysis. 
  1. Manage all the development and maintenance support activities in accordance with SAFe-Agile model practices. 

Qualifications: 

Experience: 

A minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience in 4 of the 7 following criteria: 

  1. Software engineering within a Client/Server Environment or Collaborative Environments. 
  1. Managing, analyzing, designing, modeling, and implementing software systems. 
  1. Communications engineering (Hardware, Software and Network) or Specialty engineering (Security, Modelling and Simulation, ISR). 
  1. Software Engineering for Real-Time systems, Distributed Systems, embedded systems or mission critical systems environments. 
  1. Communications engineering (hardware, software and network) or Specialty engineering (Security, Modelling and Simulation) 
  1. Software Integration: hardware and software, (COTS and/or custom developed) components into new or existing systems. 
  1. Demonstrated experience in the field of Firepower, ISR, C4ISR, or Modelling and Simulation software development. 
  1. System life-cycle management for software systems. 

Demonstrated experience in the following criteria: 

  1. A minimum of 5 years of Defence systems project experience on military or military command and control software systems. 
  1. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience as a Software Specialist within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) for an onsite client. 
  1. A minimum of 6 years of demonstrated experience in the preparation of technical concept documents, design document, test documents, system specifications, or technical proposals in the field of Information Technology, Information management or engineering (i.e. System, software, computer, communication, security, or simulation). 
  1. A minimum of 8 years of communicating information technology frameworks/strategies to management and technical staff and system software engineering direction for projects or systems. 
  1. A minimum of 8 years of providing advice, guidance and recommendations on technical issues to support the decision-making of senior management. 
  1. A minimum of 8 years of performing strategic, operational or tactical planning for projects or systems to meet corporate strategy. 
  1. A minimum of 8 years of leading multidisciplinary teams in the development of IT tactical systems, frameworks or strategies. 
  1. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities. 
  1. Effective communication and collaboration skills. 
  1. SECRET security clearance is a must. 

Education: 

A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a suitable engineering or technical field (or equivalent practical experience) is a must. 

A Masters degree in Engineering, in software, computer, systems, electrical, or a suitable engineering or technical field required to support Land C4ISR, is an asset. 

Skills: 

  • Command and Control 
  • SAFe-Agile practices 
  • Security and Compliance 
  • Monitoring and Logging 
  • Problem Solving 
  • Collaboration and Communication 

How to Apply: 
If you have a strong passion for critical software development and are eager to join the dynamic team at KWESST for this position, which is located at the DND facilities in Gatineau, QC, we invite you to submit your resume. Please make sure to emphasize your pertinent experience and any certifications you hold. 

KWESST  is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability of any other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating a work environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all, including LQBTQ2S+ individuals. Our hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. In every step of the interview procedure, KWESST is committed to providing accommodations.