Senior Software Engineer

CLAO seeks a Senior Software Engineer (Backend) to design, develop, and maintain backend services for classified systems within secure, hybrid environments. The role requires an active TS/SCI clearance and emphasizes architectural input, ML-enabled services, and scalable deployments in AWS.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services and APIs underpinning classified systems
• Build applications using Java, Node.js, and Python, with ongoing support
• Contribute to system architecture, data flow, and integration approaches
• Create and maintain machine learning enabled services, including model integration, inference services, and data pipelines
• Deploy and support applications in AWS based environments
• Ensure security, performance, and reliability targets are met
• Collaborate with senior engineers, architects, and program stakeholders
• Participate in code reviews, troubleshooting, and performance optimization

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance required at time of hire
• 10+ years of professional software development experience
• Proficiency in Java, Node.js, and Python
• Strong experience with AWS
• Comfort working in Linux environments
• Experience developing secure, scalable backend systems
• Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts when needed

Technologies

• Java
• Node.js
• Python
• AWS
• Linux
• Docker
• Kubernetes

Benefits

• Very competitive compensation
• Hybrid work environment with on-site flexibility
• Opportunity to work on mission-driven, high-impact systems
• Small-company environment with high technical ownership
• Partnership with a major defense contractor (Peraton) and long-term program stability
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flextime
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Overview

CLAO Software is a small, high-impact engineering firm supporting mission-critical U.S. Department of Defense programs through partnerships with industry-leading prime contractors. We design and deliver secure, scalable systems that support complex national security missions.

What We Offer

• Very competitive compensation
• Hybrid work environment with on-site flexibility
• Opportunity to work on mission-driven, high-impact systems
• Small-company environment with high technical ownership
• Partnership with a major defense contractor (Peraton) and long-term program stability

Clearance Requirement

An active TS/SCI clearance is required. Candidates without an active clearance cannot be considered.

Pay

$195,000.00 - $240,000.00 per year

Work Location

Hybrid remote in Virginia 20171, United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in DoD or Intelligence Community environments
• Familiarity with RESTful and/or event-driven architectures
• Experience with containerization or orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Exposure to backend systems that interface with UI/front-end applications