Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer

Title: Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

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