Senior Enterprise Software Engineer

About the role

The Mission Engineering Group at JHU/APL of the Force Projection Sector seeks a Senior Enterprise Software Engineer to lead the technical vision, architecture, and implementation of mission-centered software capabilities that advance augmented human decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership of an APL team especially focused on software development and deployment activities for capabilities critical to our nation’s security.
• Lead the architecture and design of complex, mission-critical software systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Implement and evolve modern engineering practices including Agile methods, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code.
• Design and develop interoperable, modular, and adaptable software components for enterprise and operational environments.
• Build and integrate software using C++, Java, and/or Python, leveraging tools such as Docker and Kubernetes, where appropriate.
• Take ownership of end-to-end delivery of key capabilities, from concept and prototype through integration, deployment, and sustainment.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, project managers, mission stakeholders, and partner organizations to translate mission and user needs into actionable software solutions.
• Promote rigorous engineering discipline, including code review, technical documentation, and adherence to quality and security standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and technical debt, and drive continuous refactoring and improvement of existing systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting a culture of learning, curiosity, and excellence within Agile teams.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and strategy, aligning software solutions with mission objectives, enterprise standards, and sponsor requirements.

Qualifications

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience successfully delivering complex or enterprise-scale software systems in operational or near-operational environments.
• Be proficient in C++ and comfortable working in large, multi-module or multi-service codebases.
• Have practical experience with at least one of the following: Python or MATLAB for algorithm development, analytics, modeling, or prototyping.
• Develop primarily in a Linux/Unix environment, using command-line tools, scripting, and automated build/deployment processes.
• Have hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, or private cloud) and understand how to design and operate cloud-hosted services securely and reliably.
• Be familiar with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes (or similar technologies).
• Have practical experience with DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and security scanning integrated into the development workflow.
• Communicate clearly in written and verbal forms and can explain complex technical concepts to wide-ranging audiences.
• Be a self-starter who can lead technical workstreams independently while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, mission-focused team.
• Be willing and able to periodically travel to and work at military facilities as required by project needs.
• Be proficient in Java.
• Have experience applying Agile at scale (e.g., multi-team Scrum, SAFe, or similar frameworks) in complex or multi-organization environments.
• Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments, as well as Government sponsors and contractors.
• Be recognized as a technical authority and collaborative leader, and be motivated to influence technical strategy, engineering culture, and best practices across the Mission Engineering Group.
• Have expertise in Version Control (VC) branching models and configuration management techniques.
• Be able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance.