Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Secret) {S}

About the role

ARKA is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) to serve as the critical technical owner for the deployment and operational success of our complex, mission-critical enterprise software systems. This role demands a unique and strong blend of hands-on software development, expertise in Kubernetes infrastructure, and direct engagement with our key customers.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Delivery: Own the technical delivery across multiple customer deployments, from initial configuration to stable, high-availability production environments
• Orchestration & Automation: Design, develop, and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) artifacts, including Helm charts, to standardize and automate software module deployments to Rancher Kubernetes and ensure parity across all environments (Dev, Staging, Prod)
• Operational Excellence: Maintain operational availability for live enterprise applications, conducting performance tuning and rapidly diagnosing complex system, network, and container issues within highly regulated or secure customer infrastructures
• CI/CD Pipeline Expertise: Implement, debug, and optimize robust CI/CD pipelines relevant to containerized applications (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) to automate all deployment phases
• Software Development & Customization: Code-Level Solutions: Design, develop, and implement necessary software customizations, integrations, and extensions, primarily using C#/.NET Core and Java, to meet unique customer requirements
• Product Feedback Loop: Collaborate closely with the core engineering and product teams to integrate crucial customer-specific feedback, field insights, and technical requirements directly into the main product roadmap
• Code Quality: Contribute directly to the codebase when progress is blocked or clarity is needed, performing code reviews and ensuring adherence to high standards for clean, scalable, and high-performance code
• Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership: Primary Technical Liaison: Act as the trusted technical point of contact for customers, providing expert guidance on system architecture, deployment strategies, and operational best practices
• Enablement & Adoption: Embed closely with customer teams to understand their needs, guide the adoption of deployed solutions, and conduct technical training and knowledge transfer sessions
• Agile Execution: Scope work, sequence delivery, make informed trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality, and proactively remove technical blockers to protect delivery timelines

Requirements

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical field, 5+ years of professional experience in software development
• Strong Focus: 5+ years with C# and the .NET/.NET Core ecosystem, 3+ years of hands-on Java development, 3+ years of hands-on experience deploying, managing, and troubleshooting applications within Kubernetes environments (Rancher / OpenShift experience is a plus)
• Technical Skills: Expertise with containerization (Docker, Podman) and orchestration (Kubernetes, Helm), proficiency in setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines for containerized services, strong understanding of microservices, RESTful APIs, networking, and system architecture, experience with the full SDLC and Agile/Scrum methodologies (Jira/Confluence), ability to write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code (Unit, Integration, System tests)
• Security & Compliance: Active Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance is mandatory, willingness to obtain an IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CASP+)

Qualifications

• Experience with other languages useful for scripting and infrastructure (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and managed Kubernetes services
• Experience with front-end development using React or Angular (JavaScript/TypeScript)
• Experience in a customer-facing or professional services role, especially in highly regulated sectors (e.g., defense)

Benefits

• Pay Range: $130,000 - $175,000
• Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
• The application window will close in 90 days for this position.
• Location: Aurora, CO

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 13 paid holidays
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pre-employment Screenings

• Credit check
• Background check
• Drug screen

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements

This position requires an active Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance. Visa Restrictions: No visa sponsorship is available for this position.