Software Developer, ISTAR Program (Intermediate) at General Dynamics - Spider Only – Nepean, Ontario

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

The LC4ISR ISTAR team is seeking an Intermediate Software Engineer to support delivery of critical capabilities for the Canadian Army. You will be working with a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver Intelligence, Reconnaissance, Target Acquisition and Surveillance (ISTAR) capabilities into a fully integrated tactical network, capable of providing flexible, multi-role and combat-capable communications, command and control. You will be part of an agile development team that is responsible for designing, implementing and verifying software components for ISTAR commanders and operators. As a team developer, you will support all stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, system architecture and design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. This role requires on-site work at our Ottawa office and customer locations within the National Capital Region, with flexibility to work remotely when necessary. Occasional travel may be required to support customer field trials.

As part of the Agile development team, you will:

• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code according to coding standards and best practices.
• Plan and coordinate feature development.
• Implement software components that integrate sensors into ISTAR solutions.
• Participate in software code reviews.
• Develop and perform software tests, and debug software.
• Identify, analyze, document, and resolve issues and defects throughout the product life cycle.
• Support verification and validation test events, including customer field trials.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to more junior team members.
• Stay up-to-date on industry developments, tools, and technologies to advance your skills and support team growth.
• Perform related duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years experience developing system software.
• Experience working on development projects with a disciplined approach to software engineering.
• Proficiency in Java.
• Knowledge of MVC (Model-View-Controller) and MVVM (Model-View-View-Model)
• Strong problem-solving, debugging, and troubleshooting skills.
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools and the Agile software process.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
• Effective time management skills to meet schedule and budget targets.
• Experience working with communication protocols and message exchange patterns (e.g., ZeroMQ, REST), as well as data serialization formats (e.g., protobuf, JSON).
• Familiarity with Interface Control Documents for sensor systems would be an asset.
• Experience working with object-oriented programming and design patterns.

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

What We Offer
The hiring range for this position is $78,000 - $91,000 CAD annual. Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills
• Education and certifications

Our Benefits: As a full-time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you’ll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
• Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top-up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
• Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
• Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees’ children.

Why join us?

• Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem-solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading-edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next-generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.
• Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world-class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
• Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check-ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high-profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation
If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via recruitment@gd-ms.ca.

Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.