Lead Software Developer

About the role

Join a team that is modernizing the future of air traffic management while supporting one of the nation’s most critical missions. In this role, you’ll contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system, helping deliver NextGen capabilities that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system
• Support system deployments and interact directly with FAA customers at airport locations across the country
• Ensure the seamless integration and functionality of next-generation air traffic management systems
• Modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) by improving air traffic operations at airports nationwide
• Collaborate with customers and field teams as the TFDM system is deployed to 89 airports nationwide
• Travel up to 50% to see your work come to life in operational environments, working side-by-side with FAA personnel

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• 4+ years of proven experience in Software Engineering
• Core Technologies: Ansible, Python, Bash/Shell scripting, Linux system administration, Container technology, IaC practices, CI/CD and build automation, Release management and versioning, Git workflows and collaboration
• Systems Knowledge: Network configuration, Physical hardware provisioning, Virtual machine lifecycle management, Package ecosystem management

Qualifications

• Strong foundational Linux administration and management of the full lifecycle of systems from bare metal to operational deployment across multiple environments
• Experience with Ansible best practices, YAML templating and variable hierarchies, Ansible vault and secrets management, Multi-site infrastructure coordination, Custom Ansible plugin development, AI assisted development
• Domain Experience: Enterprise infrastructure management, Mission-critical system deployment, Multi-processor-type system architectures, Air-gapped or classified environments

Skills

• Systems Thinking: Understand complex interdependencies, Trace issues across numerous environment configurations, See how changes ripple through the architecture, Follow documented workflows (TCM verification, CAS validation), Test thoroughly before deployment, Debug across multiple abstraction layers, Work within constraints of existing architecture, Collaborate with established patterns rather than reinventing, Coordinate across multiple sites and environments

Benefits

This position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD office with a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working remotely. Travel: Up to 50% travel is required for this role and is one of its most exciting aspects. You'll have the opportunity to travel to FAA airport locations across the United States, working side-by-side with customers and field teams as the TFDM system is deployed to 89 airports nationwide. This hands-on experience provides a unique chance to see your work come to life in operational environments, collaborate directly with FAA personnel, and gain firsthand insight into the technology that supports the nation's air traffic system.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $87,100.00 - $157,450.00. Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.