Lead, Software Engineer - DevOps Architect - TS/SCI with Poly

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Level 5) to serve in a DevOps architecture role supporting the design, modernization, and sustainment of a containerized microservices environment. This position requires a strong technical leader with deep experience in Docker-based systems, microservices architecture, and DevOps engineering practices.

Essential Functions

• Lead architecture and design efforts for Docker-based, microservice-oriented systems supporting mission-critical applications.
• Produce detailed architectural designs, interface definitions, deployment models, and technical decision documentation for distributed systems.
• Define and enforce architecture standards, engineering best practices, and DevOps patterns across the development and deployment lifecycle.
• Drive technical decisions related to containerization, orchestration, service communication, CI/CD, infrastructure automation, security, and system observability.
• Partner with software engineering, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and program stakeholders to ensure the architecture aligns with mission needs and operational constraints.
• Guide the design and implementation of build, release, deployment, and monitoring strategies for microservice-based platforms.
• Evaluate system performance, reliability, scalability, and security considerations and recommend architectural improvements.
• Provide technical leadership through architecture reviews, design reviews, risk identification, mentoring, and decision-making support for engineering teams.
• Develop roadmaps and implementation strategies for platform evolution, environment standardization, and long-term sustainment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• An active TS/SCI with Polygraph is required.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Strong experience in DevOps engineering, platform architecture, or software architecture for distributed systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing Docker-based solutions and microservice architecture.
• Experience producing detailed architectural documentation, technical designs, and engineering decision artifacts.
• A strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines, configuration management, infrastructure as code, and automated deployment practices.
• Experience with container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of system integration, API design, service-to-service communication patterns, and secure platform engineering practices.
• Proven technical leadership experience, including leading architecture discussions, guiding implementation teams, and driving technical direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present architectural concepts and tradeoffs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.