Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead

Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead with a salary range of USD 131,300 to 237,350 per year, onsite in Arlington, VA, supporting the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office to build and migrate secure web services on a highly automated, high-security cloud platform.

Responsibilities

• Convert mission objectives and prioritized backlog items into tangible technical delivery plans and sprint goals
• Lead the development and integration of secure APIs and data pipelines (structured and unstructured)
• Work with languages and environments including JavaScript, GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, Java, PSSQL, YAML, Terraform
• Design and implement automated CI/CD build and deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible, and Bitbucket
• Apply DevSecOps practices with automated testing, observability, and security controls
• Manage software release versioning and provide release management support across the software life cycle from development through test, QA, and production
• Define and drive long term technical strategy and architectural direction across multiple teams
• Oversee the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions
• Serve as a senior technical authority and escalation point for cross team and cross domain issues
• Champion engineering excellence including automated testing, CI/CD, reliability, and security
• Establish standards, best practices, and governance for software development
• Guide the responsible adoption of generative AI tools across engineering teams
• Lead, manage, and develop senior engineers and technical teams
• Own performance management, career development, succession planning, and talent growth
• Foster a high performing, inclusive engineering culture
• Coach leaders on effective team management, delivery, and technical decision making
• Own delivery outcomes across multiple Agile teams, ensuring predictability and quality
• Partner with product and business stakeholders to align roadmaps, priorities, and execution
• Ensure effective Agile practices, metrics, and continuous improvement using Jira
• Balance near term delivery with long term platform and technical investments
• Incorporate customer feedback, operational insights, and data to drive product improvements
• Act as a key engineering representative in cross functional and leadership discussions
• Communicate technical vision, risks, and progress to senior leadership
• Influence product strategy through deep understanding of users and technical constraints
• Drive alignment across engineering, product, design, and operations

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• BA degree and 12+ years of experience; additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Proven track record leading multiple teams and delivering complex software systems
• Demonstrated leadership with strong organizational and documentation skills
• Strong background in automated testing, CI/CD, and modern software delivery practices
• Experience with languages and environments including JavaScript, GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, Java, PSSQL, YAML, Terraform
• Hands-on full SDLC Agile software development experience with end to end automation, including production deployments
• Experience designing and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins, Artifactory and Ansible or equivalents
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in a high op tempo, top secret environment
• Experience tracking projects in Jira or equivalent Agile project management software
• Technical exposure to: GitHub, Gradle, PowerShell, Java Full Stack, Oracle 19c, Webservices, AWS

Technologies

• JavaScript
• GitLab
• Jenkins
• Ansible Automation
• Python
• Java
• PSSQL
• YAML
• Terraform
• Bitbucket
• Git
• Artifactory
• AWS
• GitHub
• Gradle
• PowerShell
• Java Full Stack
• Oracle 19c
• Webservices
• Jira

Benefits

• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement