Lead Software Engineer

Lead, Software EngineerLocation: Herndon, VAJob Type: Full-Time / PermanentWork Schedule: 9/80 Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance RequiredVisa Sponsorship: Not AvailableTravel: Occasional travel may be requiredRelocation: Possible for an ideal candidateJob OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join an engineering team supporting mission-critical software solutions within the aerospace, aviation, and defense industry.The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership, oversee software product development, and drive system modernization initiatives. This role involves taking ownership of software products throughout the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements gathering, architecture, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing sustainment.The successful candidate should have strong software engineering expertise, leadership capabilities, and hands-on experience with modern development technologies, including AI-assisted development tools.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical leadership across software engineering teams and mentor junior engineers.Take ownership of software products and ensure successful delivery throughout the development lifecycle.Leverage modern AI-assisted development tools to improve software design, coding, testing, debugging, and delivery.Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, scalable software applications.Participate in requirements analysis, architecture, system design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.Apply Agile software development methodologies and engineering best practices.Troubleshoot complex technical issues and perform root-cause analysis.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver enterprise-scale software solutions.Ensure engineering standards related to software quality, security, performance, and reliability.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree with at least 7 years of related experience.Candidates without a degree may be considered with 13 years of relevant experience.Active Secret Security Clearance is mandatory.Strong technical leadership and software product ownership experience.Experience across the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).Strong understanding of software architecture and system design.Experience working in Agile software development environments.Preferred Technical Skills10+ years of professional software engineering experience.Strong hands-on experience with Java and C++.Expertise in Java Spring Boot and REST APIs.Experience developing multi-threaded applications.Database design, development, and integration.Experience working in Linux development environments.CI/CD pipeline development and maintenance using Jenkins.Containerized software development and deployment.Docker and Kubernetes administration.Kubernetes and cloud/hybrid-cloud deployment experience.AWS GovCloud or cloud-native application development.DevSecOps practices and automated testing frameworks.Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis capabilities.Cybersecurity-aware software development experience.Distributed systems and enterprise-scale application development.Experience in DoD, SATCOM, networking, gateway, or telecommunications environments is highly preferred.BenefitsThe company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:Health and disability insurance.401(k) with company match.Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).Employee Assistance Program.Education assistance.Parental leave.Paid time off (PTO).Company-paid holidays.Potential relocation assistance for an ideal candidate.Additional InformationThis is a full-time permanent opportunity based in Herndon, Virginia.The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off.Occasional travel may be required.Relocation assistance may be considered for an ideal candidate.Visa sponsorship is not available.Important: Candidates must hold an active Secret Security Clearance to be considered. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are not eligible.