Software Engineer – Scalable Systems

About the role

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable software systems to support mission-critical operations.
• Incorporate advanced techniques, such as machine learning models and AI-driven analytics, to augment signal processing and network analysis capabilities.
• Optimize system performance for distributed computing, microservices, and containerized environments, ensuring scalability and reliability under growing data and system demands.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate real-time data-driven solutions into existing and new platforms.
• Work on high-impact projects involving large-scale data pipelines, message brokering systems, and adaptive algorithms.
• Participate in internal reviews and actively contribute creative ideas to improve system performance and security.
• Prototype and iterate on innovative ideas that push the boundaries of automation, efficiency, and collaborative systems.
• Ensure adherence to agile development practices and configuration management standards using modern DevSecOps tools and workflows.

Qualifications

• A STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Proven expertise in scalable and distributed systems development, containerized environments (e.g., Kubernetes, Helm, Podman), and cloud-native architectures.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g., C++, Python) and robust Linux-based development workflows.
• Strong foundational knowledge of data structures and algorithm design for solving complex and resource-efficient problems.
• Familiarity with secure DevSecOps workflows, CI/CD automation, and configuration management tools like Git.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a passion for innovation and collaboration.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph
• U.S. citizenship is required.

We Prefer

• Experience with machine learning frameworks and applying ML/AI models to analyze and simulate network traffic, signal processing, or other complex systems.
• Deep knowledge of event-driven systems, messaging queues (e.g., Kafka), and RESTful APIs or gRPC for scalable operations.
• Proven experience architecting and optimizing microservices and containerized systems.
• Familiarity with multithreading, parallel processing, and asynchronous programming best practices.
• Embedded software design and hardware integration experience.
• Previous success in applying AI-driven projects that automate decision-making, detect anomalies, or enhance performance at scale.

Benefits

• Cutting-Edge Tools: Work with the latest advancements in cloud computing, scalable architectures, and machine learning technologies.
• Mission-Driven Impact: Directly contribute to missions that make the world safer and more secure.
• Innovation at Scale: Solve challenging problems involving large-scale systems, real-time processing, and mission-critical applications.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with brilliant engineers and service members in a dynamic, collaborative environment that values creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Pay

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Schedule

This is an ONSITE position based out of our National Business Park, Maryland location.