Staff Software Engineer

About Us:

Welcome to RTS Labs. We are a premier AI, Data, and Software consulting firm partnering with high-growth startups and enterprise brands to build tech that moves the needle. We operate with a fast-paced, startup-style energy where fresh thinking is rewarded, bureaucracy is non-existent, and complex engineering puzzles are solved every day.

We don't just talk about having a great culture, we have the hardware to prove it. RTS Labs was officially named a Great Place to Work 2026, took home the Innovator Award (the "New Ideas" specialty award) at the Top Workplaces ceremony, and ranks proudly among the Top Workplaces in Virginia. If you want to build cutting-edge data architecture alongside an award-winning team, you’ve found your home.

The Role:

As a Staff Engineer (L6), you will play an indispensable role in leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge software solutions. You will leverage your broad technical expertise to solve the most complex problems our team encounters, influencing the long-term technical direction of the company. This role demands a deep understanding of end-to-end software development, from architecture to deployment, with a focus on building scalable and reliable systems. You will mentor peers, contribute to strategic decision-making, and act as a multiplier by introducing tools and systems that boost organizational productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership:

• Lead the design and development of large-scale, complex software systems with contributions from multiple teams.
• Influence architectural decisions and set technical direction for critical projects, ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
• Solve the most challenging technical problems, breaking down complexity into actionable solutions.

Project Management:

• Consistently deliver large projects on time and at a high level of quality, managing risks and aligning with business objectives.
• Anticipate broad changes in technology and propose forward-thinking solutions to keep RTS ahead of the curve.

Mentorship and Collaboration:

• Mentor and coach peers across immediate and adjacent teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Actively contribute to cross-functional collaboration, working with product managers, data engineers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.

Innovation and Experimentation:

• Develop and introduce systems, tools, or policies that enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, bringing innovative ideas to the team that enable multiple potential futures.

Organizational Impact:

• Lead discussions on major functional directions and strategic initiatives, influencing decisions that have a direct impact on the company's long-term success.
• Support a positive, inclusive, and engaging culture within the team and the broader organization.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 6-8 years of professional experience in software engineering, with a proven track record of leading large, complex projects.
• Broad expertise in software architecture, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and modern development frameworks.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript, and familiarity with containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly break down complex issues into actionable solutions.
• Experience mentoring and coaching engineers, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark) and database management (SQL, NoSQL).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of machine learning and AI integration in software applications.
• Agile project management experience (Scrum, Kanban).

Who Thrives at RTS Labs?

RTS Labs is built for people who want real ownership, not layers of permission. We're a delivery-first AI, data, and software engineering consultancy. We ship production systems, not slide decks. We don't reward theater, over-process, or long meetings that avoid the actual work. We care about solving hard problems, communicating clearly, and earning trust through execution.

You'll thrive here if:

• You see a problem and move. You don't wait for the perfect ticket or mandate. You clarify what matters, make progress, and pull in the right people when you need them.
• You're comfortable with ambiguity. Client environments are messy. Requirements shift. You know how to operate without every detail handed to you.
• You communicate early. You surface blockers before they become surprises. You explain tradeoffs in plain language and keep people informed without creating noise.
• You own outcomes, not tasks. You think about whether the work solves the real problem and moves the client closer to production, not just whether it's done.
• You adapt quickly. Priorities shift. Timelines compress. You adjust without drama and help the team stay focused.
• You bring a point of view. You challenge assumptions respectfully, with evidence and clear reasoning, not ego.
• You think ahead. You spot risks early so leadership can make better calls before problems get expensive.
• You care about craft. Code, architecture, delivery, client conversations, whatever the work is, you take pride in doing it well.

This isn't the right place if:

• You need heavy structure, constant direction, or a slow approval chain before taking action.
• You prefer theoretical architectures over practical, shippable solutions.
• You feel uncomfortable talking directly with clients or working through changing business requirements.

It is the right place if:

• You want autonomy, trust, smart teammates, and the responsibility that comes with building systems clients actually use.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected Base Salary: $115k - $145k

Our Workplace & Compensation Philosophy: RTS Labs operates on a flexible, hybrid-remote model. Team members living within 30 miles of our Glen Allen/Richmond, VA office sync up on a hybrid schedule, while those living further out are entirely remote. To ensure total pay equity across our team, all of our salary ranges are benchmarked strictly to the Richmond market standard and are not adjusted downward or upward based on a candidate's specific location or local cost of living.

Final Determination: Your starting pay is determined by your years of experience, interview performance, and core technical capabilities. Instead of using past resume titles, we map your skills directly to our 1–10 leveling framework based on your execution during our assessments. We are completely transparent: if you track a level above or below the role you applied for, we will tell you early to align expectations. This ensures all new hires are paid equitably in line with what current team members with similar experience earn here. 

Perks & Benefits:

• Continuous Learning: $1,000 towards  professional development time per year to spend on certifications, courses, or tech conferences of your choice.
• 401k Match: We provide a 4% company match after six months to invest in your future.
• Flexible PTO: Take the time you need to recharge, we trust our team.
• Paid Winter Break: We shut down the company every year between December 25th and January 2nd so everyone can fully unplug and spend time with family.
• Family-First Culture: High autonomy, low ego, and zero micromanagement.

RTS Labs is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment where all people are honored, respected, and celebrated.

To see the energy of the team receiving one of these honors, you can watch the RTS Labs Top Workplaces Ceremony Specialty Award Video to see how the team values fresh thinking and collaboration.