Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership, architectural direction, and software engineering expertise in support of mission-critical Department of Defense (DoD) systems.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in full-stack software development, Agile methodologies, DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, and enterprise software architecture. This role requires a hands-on technical leader capable of managing multiple engineering teams, delivering secure and scalable software solutions, and driving engineering excellence within a high-security environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Architecture: Define technical strategy, lead architectural decisions, establish engineering standards, and oversee the development of secure, scalable, and maintainable software solutions.
• Software Engineering & Integration: Lead full-stack development, secure API integration, structured and unstructured data pipelines, and enterprise application modernization using Java, JavaScript, Python, and related technologies.
• DevSecOps & CI/CD Automation: Design, implement, and optimize automated build, testing, deployment, and release pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab, Bitbucket, Ansible, Terraform, and related DevOps tools.
• Agile Delivery & Execution: Translate mission requirements and prioritized product backlogs into technical delivery plans, sprint goals, and production-ready software releases.
• Release Management & Quality Assurance: Oversee software version control, automated testing, configuration management, and deployments across development, Test, QA, and Production environments.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead and develop senior engineers and technical teams, provide technical guidance, support professional development, and promote engineering best practices.
• Security & Compliance: Integrate security controls, automated testing, monitoring, and DevSecOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle in accordance with DoD security requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product owners, stakeholders, and senior leadership to align technical roadmaps, communicate delivery risks, and drive mission-focused engineering outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Improve engineering efficiency, system reliability, and delivery performance through Agile metrics, Jira, automation, and responsible adoption of generative AI technologies.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant software engineering experience; additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proven experience leading multiple engineering teams and delivering complex enterprise software systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with Java full-stack development, JavaScript, Python, APIs, web services, and enterprise software integration.
• Extensive knowledge of Agile software development, full SDLC processes, DevSecOps, automated testing, and CI/CD implementation.
• Experience designing, developing, and maintaining automated DevOps pipelines using Git, Jenkins, Bitbucket, Artifactory, Ansible, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience with GitLab, GitHub, Gradle, PowerShell, YAML, Terraform, Oracle 19c, and SQL-based databases.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, release management, configuration management, and production deployment processes.
• Experience managing Agile project delivery, sprint planning, and development activities using Jira or equivalent tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, resolve complex engineering challenges, and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Experience operating within high-tempo, classified DoD environments with strict security and mission requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting DISA or other DoD mission partners.
• Experience designing, developing, and deploying secure cloud-based applications, preferably within Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Benefits

Core Benefits:

• Paid Time Off PTO):TEN (10) Paid days off & FIVE (5) Floating days off.
• Holidays: 11 Paid Holidays. Flex time can be utilized instead of holiday time usage.
• Payroll: Paid Bi-Monthly.
• 401(k): Partnered with the SECOND LARGEST Retirement plan provider in the U.S. Guaranteed 3% match. Eligibility – 21 years of age or older, after 3 months of employment
• Individual or company-wide performance and recognition awards (Quarterly)

Health Benefits:

• UNITED HEALTHCARE PPO, extensive national coverage.
• INCLUDES: Medical/Dental/Vision/HSA.
• Eligible on the first of the month, immediately after the start date.
• Submit the enrollment form within 30 days of your start date otherwise, you will have to wait until October for the new year enrollment.

Quality of Life Benefits:

• Training & Career Development Reimbursement of Tuition and training needed to support career development.
• $150 monthly reimbursement contribution paid monthly towards parking expenses.
• Receipts must be submitted by the close of business on the 25th of each month.
• Reimbursements will be paid on the first payroll AFTER reimbursements are submitted each month.

Special Benefits:

• Performance bonus – Project-based
• Yearly bonus – Company based