Research Software Engineer

Location: Pasadena, United States of America

Thales people architect identity management and data protection solutions at the heart of digital security. Business and governments rely on us to bring trust to the billions of digital interactions they have with people. Our technologies and services help banks exchange funds, people cross borders, energy become smarter, and much more. More than 30,000 organizations already rely on us to verify the identities of people and things, grant access to digital services, analyze vast quantities of information, and encrypt data to make the connected world more secure.

Position Summary:

This is a hybrid position located in Pasadena, California with 2 days a week in the office.

We are looking for a Research Software Engineer located in Pasadena, California who will execute all software integration and testing initiatives in the algorithms research team. Tasks include the architectural design to support new workflows and increased speed, both in NIST evaluations and products, but also the integration of and transformation of algorithms to import-regulatory compliance. The role is to evangelize best software practices and tools in multiple programming languages, platforms, and frameworks.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Initially and continuously integrate algorithms written by the team in Python, C or C++, into libraries, the deliverables to the software team and NIST public tests,
• Co-design and harmonize the APIs of these libraries with the research team,
• Create and maintain a multi-platform build environment for Windows 10/11, Linux, Android, and iOS, all 64 bit,
• Manage source control, versioning, and artifact delivery of libraries using bitbucket and Nexus,
• System-test the APIs and support research scientists in biometric performance tests,
• Deliver NIST submission packages,
• Extract workflows from NIST and product specifications and architect a maintainable software framework to support them,
• Promote safe programming practices to the team, especially in C++11/17,
• Establish a high level of software quality with respect to memory safety and concurrency using tools such as hpfortify and valgrind,
• Understand and follow Thales’ L2 software security processes,
• Protect library IP via source code obfuscation, while carefully trading off speed and protection strength,
• Rebuild libraries from Thales’ abroad research labs for TAA compliance,
• Own the measurement and modelling of template creation and matching speed, to be used as an input for the sizing tool,
• Support biometric system architect and team in architectural questions, such as concurrency and SIMD parallelism,
• Develop research tools for performance measurement, debugging, and visualization purposes,
• Support internal and external customers in sizing and installation questions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or similar technical domain
• At least 5 years of C/C++ coding experience in a corporate setting
• At least 3 years of Python coding experience in a corporate setting
• Prior experience programming/debugging in both Windows and Linux environments
• Demonstrated scripting experience in bash/DOS
• Prior experience understanding of concurrent programming and multi-threading in multiple languages,
• Excellent Team player with proven ability to accomplish goals through collaboration
• Ability to operate effectively and autonomously across multiple teams in situations of ambiguity leveraging problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn with only high-level direction
• Prior experience communicating pertinent and technical information to external customers and other stakeholders on a regular basis

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS with 5+ years’ coding experience in a corporate setting
• Prior algorithm integration experience
• Knowledge and software development experience in biometric libraries and AFIS

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with (a) criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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