Cleared Principal Developer

Kentro; Missouri; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Education reimbursement

Team events

Mentorship program

Job summary

Kentro in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Cleared Principal Developer to lead modernization of geospatial applications for NGA initiatives. You will design, build, and secure cloud‑native microservices and integrate with NGA/IC systems.

The role requires senior technical leadership, DoD RMF and STIGs experience, agile delivery, and mentoring of junior developers. This is an on‑site opportunity with competitive benefits and opportunities to impact national security missions.

Qualifications

• MS or equivalent degree with 13+ years in full‑stack Java/J2EE and microservices.
• BS with 15+ years in full‑stack Java/J2EE and microservices.
• Equivalent to education: 17+ years in software development.
• Minimum 5+ years of agile/lean with at least 2 years as scrum/team lead.
• CI/CD, TDD, automated testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable, secure full‑stack apps using Angular/React/Spring Boot and cloud technologies.
• Collaborate with UI/UX, QA, and stakeholders to deliver NGA/DoD aligned GEOINT capabilities.
• Integrate apps with NGA/IC systems ensuring interoperability with NGA standards.
• Build RESTful APIs and microservices for data pipelines.
• Apply secure coding with DoD STIGs, NGA Software Way, and RMF; implement RBAC and audit‑ready design.
• Participate in Agile sprints, backlog grooming, code reviews, testing, and releases.
• Support DevSecOps CI/CD using NGA toolkit and DevOps practices.
• Provide mentorship to junior/mid developers and shape technical direction.

Skills

Java, JavaScript or Python enterprise

Web services architecture

Relational database design

Spatial database design

NoSQL database design

Micro‑service architecture

Containerization/Orchestration

API Development

Cloud Native Development

CI/CD / TDD / automated testing

Agile/Lean practices

Education

MS in CS/Engineering

BS in CS/Engineering

Equivalent experience 17+ yrs

Tools

PostGRES/PostGIS

Oracle Spatial

Boundless Spatial

Remote View / ArcGIS

OpenGeo Suite

Job description

Core Certifications

• Certified Scrum Master
• Certified Scrum Professional

Overview

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring for a Cleared Principal Developer to support NGA initiatives - is a senior‑level technical leader focused on modernizing, designing, and implementing complex geospatial applications and infrastructure. This role is critical for transforming legacy systems into cloud‑native, microservices‑based platforms. This position is contingent on award and final customer approval.

Location

St. Louis, Missouri

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable, secure full stack applications using modern frameworks (e.g., Angular, React, Spring Boot) and cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, or similar)
• Work closely with UI/UX designers, QA teams, and mission stakeholders to define, develop, and implement GEOINT software capabilities aligned with NGA and DoD mission needs
• Integrate applications with NGA and IC systems, ensuring interoperability and compliance with NGA standards like NGA Software Way and DevCorps methodologies.
• Build RESTful APIs and microservices to enable clean, secure data pipelines and interoperability across systems
• Apply secure coding practices in accordance with DoD STIGs, NGA's Software Way, and RMF guidelines; implement role‑based access controls and audit‑compliant design
• Participate in Agile sprint cycles, backlog grooming, code reviews, testing (TDD), and release processes using DevCorps Agile methodology
• Support DevSecOps pipeline integration and CI/CD automation leveraging NGA's DevOps toolkit and application pipeline
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid‑level developers; contribute to strategic direction in collaboration with government technical lead

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A Master of Science or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Information Systems. Cybersecurity, or equivalent technical degree and a minimum of 13 years of experience in full stack development to include Java, Web services, Database, and microservice development software, engineering/development, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work.
  • OR a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Information Systems or equivalent technical degree and a minimum of 15 years of experience in full stack development to include Java, Web services, Database, and micro‑service development software, engineering/development, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work.
  • OR, a minimum, as equivalent to education, of 17 years of experience in software engineering/development, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work may be substituted for a technical degree.
• Experience:
  • Demonstrated firsthand experience in at least four of the following:
  • Java, JavaScript or Python enterprise application development
  • Web services architecture, design, and development
  • Relational database design
  • Spatial database design
  • NoSQL database design
  • Micro‑service architecture, design and development
  • Containerization and/or Orchestration
  • API Development
  • Cloud Native Development, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud or similar Cloud Service providers
  • Demonstrated experience with relational database development.
  • Must have minimum of 5 years or more experience with agile and lean philosophies, with at least 2 years serving as scrum or team lead.
  • Demonstrated experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) techniques, test‑driven development, or automated testing practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with NGA or other IC agencies
• Possesses at least one of the following Agile Development Certifications
  • Certified Scrum Master
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI‑ACP)
  • Certified Scrum Professional
• Demonstrated experience working independently with clients or stakeholders to develop user‑stories in support of full‑service consumer and business applications.
• Demonstrated experience in development of customized code, scripts, modules, macro procedures, or libraries to implement specialized spatial analysis functions using languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, C, Perl, or similar scripting and development languages.
• Demonstrated experience in integration and tailoring of geospatial Commercial Off‑The‑Shelf (COTS) software applications; specialized software and database development and maintenance; integration of related specialized hardware; engineering studies to identify and remedy geodata processing bottlenecks.
• Demonstrated experience with government and/or commercial imagery products, to include SAR or related RADAR imaging technologies.
• Demonstrated experience working with and developing geospatial information systems (GIS) to include opensource and proprietary geospatial formats
• Demonstrated experience in use and development with common geospatial tools, data, and operating platforms. These may include, but are not limited to:
  • Tools - Boundless Spatial suite, Remote View, PostGRES/PostGIS, Oracle Spatial
  • and/or other geospatial databases, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server, Image Server, and File Geodatabases.
  • Data formats including KML, KMZ, NITF, TIFF, JPEG, GeoPDF, and similar georelated formats and data structures.
  • Operating Platforms – ESRI, OpenGeo Suite, or similar.
  • Demonstrated in‑depth experience abstracting new or legacy systems via standards‑based API’s to include web services. Including but not limited to Open Geospatial Consortium standards.
  • Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following: Developing terrain analysis visualization and algorithms.
  • Developing automated detection algorithms.

Clearance Requirement

Active TS/SCI Clearance, willing and able to get and maintain a CI Polygraph for the role.

Benefits

The Company:

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long‑term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let's solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000‑1:2011, 9001:2015), two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC) and CMMC Level 2 Certification.

Industry Recognition:

Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid‑Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Benefits Package:

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in‑person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self‑identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email [e-mail].