Software Engineer II - Research & Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Software Engineer II - Research & Prototyping

Company: Beast Code

Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL, US / Hybrid, Fort Walton Beach, FL, US / Remote, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Software Engineering / Research & Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Software Engineer II)

Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote Possible

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on research and prototyping within software engineering, emphasizing innovation and the creation of industry-disrupting solutions for training and simulation products.

• Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining software, resolving complex bug reports, and contributing to architectural improvements and large-scale changes.

• The position requires strong programming skills in C# and .Net, with experience in frontend JavaScript frameworks like VueJS and database management with Postgres.

• Successful candidates will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, a capacity for independent learning, and a collaborative spirit, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Software Engineer II - Research & Prototyping," the core responsibilities and required skills suggest a role that bridges development, R&D, and potentially early-stage product development within the defense technology sector. The emphasis on "pushing the status quo" and "creating industry disrupting software" highlights a strong R&D component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and maintenance of cutting-edge training and simulation products, contributing to the company's mission-critical solutions.

• Systematically diagnose and resolve complex bug reports, ensuring the stability and reliability of software applications.

• Proactively communicate technical resolutions for identified issues and articulate well-defined plans for the implementation of new features.

• Design and implement flexible, maintainable, and robust software solutions that adhere to high standards of technical excellence.

• Identify opportunities for architectural enhancements and lead or contribute to significant, large-scale code refactoring and system upgrades.

• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, fostering their technical growth and ensuring knowledge transfer within the team.

• Act as a primary technical subject matter expert (SME) for assigned projects, providing deep insights and guidance to stakeholders.

• Participate actively in the interviewing process for prospective software engineering candidates, assessing technical aptitude and cultural fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed combine core software development tasks with elements of research, architecture, and leadership, typical of a mid-level engineer in a growth-oriented tech company, especially one in the defense sector where innovation is key. The mention of "research and prototyping" in the title strongly suggests involvement in exploring new technologies and solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a Computer Science-related field or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of industry experience in software engineering, with a demonstrated history of contributing to complex projects and independently learning new technologies.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in C# programming language.

• Strong experience with the .Net framework for backend development.

• Experience with frontend JavaScript frameworks, with a preference for VueJS.

• Demonstrated ability to work with and manage data within a Postgres database.

• Proven capability as an independent learner in a task-oriented environment, proactively seeking solutions.

• A strong desire and demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative team setting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Machine Learning concepts and implementation.

• Knowledge or practical experience in Computer Vision techniques.

• Familiarity with Deep Learning frameworks and applications.

• Experience deploying and managing applications using Kubernetes.

• Proficiency with Docker for containerization.

• Experience with Helm for Kubernetes package management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2 years minimum of industry experience" for Software Engineer II aligns with the expected proficiency in core technologies like C#, .Net, VueJS, and Postgres. The preferred skills indicate a strong leaning towards AI/ML and cloud-native technologies, aligning with research and prototyping objectives in advanced software solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating proficiency in C#, .Net, and VueJS, highlighting your contributions to software architecture and feature development.

• Include examples of database interaction, particularly with Postgres, illustrating data management and querying capabilities.

• Present case studies of bug resolution or system optimization, detailing the problem, your approach, and the measurable impact.

• If applicable, include prototypes or research projects that demonstrate your ability to explore and implement new technologies, especially in areas like Machine Learning or Computer Vision.

• Document any experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), or infrastructure as code (Helm) that showcases your understanding of modern deployment practices. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your process for debugging and problem-solving, including methodologies for root cause analysis and testing.

• Detail your approach to feature development, from initial concept and design to implementation, testing, and deployment.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to architectural improvements or identified and implemented large-scale changes.

• Describe your methods for independent learning and how you integrate new knowledge into your development workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving research and prototyping, a portfolio that showcases not just finished products but also the process of innovation, experimentation, and problem-solving is crucial. Demonstrating the ability to learn independently and contribute to architectural discussions will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,500 - $122,300 USD annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, with the company covering 60% of premiums.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for medical expenses.

• 401K retirement plan with a generous 6% company match.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, encouraging work-life balance.

• Observance of all federal holidays, plus an additional week off for Christmas.

• Maternity Leave: 6 weeks paid leave.

• Paternity Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.

• Annual Professional Development allowance of $1,200 for continued learning and skill enhancement.

• Access to a company discount platform.

• Commitment to Pay Transparency.

• Flexible Work Schedule options.

• Hybrid Work environment supporting a mix of remote and in-office work.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with flexibility offered through a flexible work schedule. The role is designated as hybrid or remote-eligible, suggesting a focus on productivity and results over strict adherence to office hours, though 40 hours per week is typical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Software Engineer II role in the US, especially considering the specialized nature of defense technology and the required security clearance. The benefits package is robust, with significant emphasis on health, retirement, and work-life balance, including unique perks like unlimited PTO and extended holiday leave.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology / Software Development. Beast Code operates within the defense sector, focusing on modernizing technology for warfighters. This industry demands high reliability, security, and innovation to meet critical mission needs.

Company Size: Over 200 employees, indicating a mid-sized company that likely offers a blend of startup agility and established processes. This size often allows for more direct impact and visibility for individual contributors.

Founded: 2014. Founded by friends with a vision to disrupt traditional defense solutions, Beast Code has grown significantly while maintaining its core mission.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely composed of specialized engineers, potentially organized into project-based or functional teams to develop and support specific training and simulation products.

• As a Software Engineer II, you will report to a Software Engineer III or higher, with potential for direct interaction with engineering leads and architects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with product managers, QA engineers, and potentially client stakeholders to ensure solutions meet real-world needs. Methodology:

• Beast Code emphasizes building with customers, suggesting an agile and iterative development methodology with strong feedback loops.

• A focus on "relentless innovation" and "modern and intuitive software solutions" points to an R&D-driven approach, likely incorporating modern software development practices and technologies.

• Data analysis is implicitly crucial for understanding user needs and measuring the effectiveness of training and simulation products.

Company Website: https://beast-code.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Beast Code's culture appears to be mission-driven, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on supporting the warfighter. The company's founding story and growth suggest a dynamic environment that values forward-thinking solutions and strong partnerships with clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Software Engineer II. This level signifies a professional with a solid foundation (typically 2+ years of experience) capable of handling moderately complex tasks with some independent direction. They are expected to contribute to feature development and bug resolution while beginning to mentor junior team members and serve as technical SMEs.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Software Engineer III or IV, who oversees a team or a significant project component. This structure provides mentorship and guidance, essential for career progression.

Operations Impact: As a Software Engineer II, your work directly impacts the development of "industry-leading training and simulation products." This means your contributions are vital to enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of warfighters, fulfilling Beast Code's core mission. Your ability to prototype and innovate will directly influence the future direction of these critical systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Progress to Software Engineer III and IV by deepening expertise in core technologies (C#, .Net, VueJS, Postgres) and by gaining advanced skills in preferred areas like Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Kubernetes, and Docker.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and eventually leading project teams or technical initiatives.

• Research & Innovation: Excel in the "Research & Prototyping" aspect of the role to drive new product development, potentially leading to roles in advanced R&D or Principal Engineer positions.

• Cross-Functional Roles: With experience, opportunities may arise to move into roles with broader scope, such as Solutions Architect, Technical Lead, or Product Manager, leveraging your deep understanding of the technology and its applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beast Code's explicit definition of its engineering levels (I-V) provides a clear roadmap for progression. The Software Engineer II role is positioned as a stepping stone for engineers ready to take on more responsibility, contribute to complex problem-solving, and begin influencing technical direction. The emphasis on research and prototyping suggests that individuals who can drive innovation will have significant growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beast Code offers a hybrid work model, with options for working from their Headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, FL, or remotely across the US. This provides flexibility in how and where work is performed.

Office Location(s):

• Headquarters: Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548.

• Hybrid work is also supported for employees in the Fort Walton Beach area.

• Remote work is available for candidates located anywhere in the United States, provided they meet security clearance requirements. Workspace Context:

• The hybrid and remote options indicate a focus on results-oriented work, with trust placed in engineers to manage their time effectively.

• Collaboration is facilitated through digital tools, regular team meetings, and potentially occasional in-person gatherings for those in hybrid roles or for specific project needs.

• Access to modern development tools and technologies is implied, given the company's focus on innovation and its C#/.Net/VueJS/Postgres stack.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule is expected (approximately 40 hours/week), the "Flexible Work Schedule" benefit suggests that core working hours may be adaptable to team needs and individual productivity, especially for remote employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility in work location (Hybrid/Remote US) is a significant draw, catering to modern work preferences while still maintaining options for in-person collaboration at the Fort Walton Beach headquarters. This flexibility, combined with a focus on mission and innovation, shapes a modern and adaptive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in Beast Code's mission.

• Technical Assessment: Expect a technical interview, which could involve coding challenges, system design questions, or deep dives into your experience with C#, .Net, VueJS, and Postgres. This may be conducted via screen sharing or a take-home assignment.

• Portfolio Review: Prepare to walk through specific projects from your portfolio. Be ready to discuss your role, the technical challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes. For this role, demonstrating research and prototyping efforts will be key.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews will likely assess your ability to work independently, collaborate, mentor others, and your alignment with Beast Code's values (trust, purpose, relentless innovation).

• Final Round: This may involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss the role, your career aspirations, and the company's strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight R&D: Emphasize any projects that involved research, experimentation, or prototyping. Detail your methodology for exploring new ideas and your process for validating concepts.

• Code Quality: If sharing code samples, ensure they are well-documented, follow best practices, and are representative of your coding style.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on projects that best align with the job description's requirements, particularly those involving C#, .Net, VueJS, Postgres, and ideally any exposure to ML, CV, or cloud technologies.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and ability to contribute to a mission-driven team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Proficiency: Practice coding problems in C# and JavaScript, focusing on data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.

• System Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would design scalable, maintainable systems, especially for training and simulation applications. Consider aspects like data management, performance, and security.

• Technical Depth: Review concepts related to databases (Postgres), frontend frameworks (VueJS), and any preferred technologies you listed (ML, CV, Kubernetes, Docker).

• Behavioral Responses: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about teamwork, problem-solving, learning, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Research & Prototyping" focus, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your creative process, your ability to explore uncharted technical territories, and how you translate initial ideas into tangible prototypes. Demonstrating a proactive, learning-oriented mindset will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C# (primary), JavaScript (frontend).

• Backend Framework: .Net (core technologies for application logic and services).

• Frontend Framework: VueJS (preferred for UI development).

• Database: Postgres (for data storage and management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to work with database query tools for data analysis and potentially integrate with internal or external reporting/analytics platforms to track product performance and user engagement. CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but standard development tools for version control (e.g., Git), issue tracking (e.g., Jira), and CI/CD pipelines are highly probable within a software development environment.

• Containerization & Orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes (preferred skills) for building, deploying, and managing containerized applications. Helm for managing Kubernetes applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and robust, combining established backend technologies with a popular frontend framework and a powerful relational database. The emphasis on Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm signals a commitment to cloud-native development and efficient deployment practices, crucial for research and prototyping.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: Essential in a defense sector company, implying reliability, integrity, and secure handling of sensitive information.

• Purpose: Directly tied to supporting the warfighter, meaning a strong sense of mission and the impact of one's work.

• Relentless Innovation: Encourages a proactive, forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and technology adoption, vital for a "Research & Prototyping" role.

• Collaboration: Emphasized through team settings and building with customers, suggesting open communication and shared ownership.

• Independence & Learning: The role requires independent learners who can thrive in a task-oriented environment, indicating autonomy and a focus on continuous self-improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where engineers work closely with peers, leads, and potentially clients to define requirements, brainstorm solutions, and refine prototypes.

• An open communication style is likely fostered, encouraging the sharing of ideas, feedback, and technical challenges.

• The emphasis on mentoring suggests a culture where knowledge sharing and supporting team members' growth are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beast Code's stated values (Trust, Purpose, Relentless Innovation) are deeply ingrained in its mission. For this role, "Relentless Innovation" is paramount, suggesting opportunities to experiment, push boundaries, and contribute to cutting-edge solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Security: In the defense sector, developing cutting-edge solutions must be balanced with stringent security requirements and the need for a DoD security clearance.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI/ML, computer vision, and cloud-native technologies while applying them to defense applications requires continuous learning.

• Complex Problem Solving: Tackling unique challenges in training and simulation for military applications may require novel approaches and creative solutions.

• Prototyping to Production: Transitioning innovative prototypes into reliable, scalable, and secure production systems presents significant engineering challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Kubernetes, and Docker, deepening your expertise in high-demand fields.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of defense training and simulation technologies, contributing to mission-critical systems.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced engineers and opportunities to mentor junior team members, enhancing leadership and communication skills.

• Professional Development Budget: Utilize the $1,200 annual allowance for conferences, courses, certifications, or books to acquire new skills and stay current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced software engineering skills to impactful defense applications, providing significant learning opportunities in both technical domains and specialized industry knowledge. The challenges are directly linked to the innovative nature of the work and the critical context of defense technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Innovation & Prototyping: "Describe a time you had to research and prototype a new technology or solution. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" Focus on demonstrating your independent learning and experimentation skills.

• Problem Solving & C#/.Net: "Walk us through a complex bug you resolved in a C#/.Net application. What was your debugging strategy, and how did you ensure the fix was robust?" Be ready to discuss specific code or architectural decisions.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: "Tell us about a time you mentored a junior engineer or helped a team overcome a technical hurdle. How did you approach it, and what was the result?" Highlight your ability to contribute positively to team dynamics.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in working for Beast Code, specifically in the defense technology sector?" Connect your career goals and values to the company's mission.

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative culture?" Emphasize your ability to work effectively with others and your understanding of Beast Code's values.

• Continuous Learning: "How do you stay current with new technologies in software engineering, particularly in areas like AI/ML or cloud computing?" Showcase your proactive approach to professional development.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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