CNO Software Engineer Level 1

Adaptic; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Adaptic seeks a CNO Software Engineer to build and sustain mission-critical tools for Cyber Network Operations supporting the DoD and intelligence communities. You will design, develop, and enhance software across Windows and UNIX/Linux, drive DevOps pipelines, and contribute to system architecture while collaborating with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to strengthen threat detection and response capabilities.

Candidates bring TS/SCI with poly, strong programming in C/C++, Java, Python, and hands-on

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph.
• 7 years of experience as a Software Engineer on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline.
• 4 years of additional SWE experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• At least two (2) years of experience developing applications using modern programming languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Java, Python).
• At least two (2) years of experience developing on Windows or UNIX/Linux systems.
• At least two (2) years of experience with DevOps tools and technologies (e.g., Docker, Terraform, Ansible, Packer, Artifactory).
• At least one (1) year of experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Bamboo).
• At least one (1) year of experience with cybersecurity tools or techniques, such as reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or MITRE ATT&CK.

Responsibilities

• Developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex software systems based on documented requirements.
• Collaborating with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to design and improve cyber capabilities.
• Troubleshooting software issues, debugging code, and resolving defects across systems.
• Supporting development of tools used for vulnerability analysis, malware detection, and network defense.
• Contributing to system and software design, including component development and integration decisions.
• Participating in testing and validation to ensure software meets design and mission requirements.
• Building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and supporting DevOps workflows.
• Working with data such as logs, binaries, and network traffic to support analysis and tool functionality.
• Supporting rapid-response efforts to address emerging cyber threats.
• Evaluating and integrating new technologies to improve performance, scalability, and mission impact.

Skills

C

C++

C#

Java

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Docker

Terraform

Ansible

Packer

Artifactory

Jenkins

Bamboo

Job description

Build the Tools Behind the Mission: Join us as a CNO Software Engineer!

Don’t just write code—build the capabilities that power Computer Network Operations. Supporting the DoD and Intelligence Community, you’ll work alongside Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to develop, enhance, and sustain tools used to detect, analyze, and defend against evolving threats.

This role is ideal for engineers who have a strong foundation and are ready to take on more ownership—contributing to system design, driving development efforts, and helping shape how mission capabilities are built and delivered.

Your Impact

You’ll contribute to the development and evolution of cybersecurity tools and mission systems—playing a key role in both operational support and long-term capability development. Day-to-day, that can look like:

• Developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex software systems based on documented requirements
• Collaborating with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to design and improve cyber capabilities
• Troubleshooting software issues, debugging code, and resolving defects across systems
• Supporting development of tools used for vulnerability analysis, malware detection, and network defense
• Contributing to system and software design, including component development and integration decisions
• Participating in testing and validation to ensure software meets design and mission requirements
• Building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and supporting DevOps workflows
• Working with data such as logs, binaries, and network traffic to support analysis and tool functionality
• Supporting rapid-response efforts to address emerging cyber threats
• Evaluating and integrating new technologies to improve performance, scalability, and mission impact

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph
• Seven (7) years of experience as a Software Engineer on programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline
• Four (4) years of additional SWE experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree
• At least two (2) years of experience developing applications using modern programming languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Java, Python)
• At least two (2) years of experience developing on Windows or UNIX/Linux systems
• At least two (2) years of experience with DevOps tools and technologies (e.g., Docker, Terraform, Ansible, Packer, Artifactory)
• At least one (1) year of experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Bamboo)
• At least one (1) year of experience with cybersecurity tools or techniques, such as reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or MITRE ATT&CK

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting Red Team, Blue Team, or Hunt operations
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts, network fundamentals, and threat detection
• Experience analyzing binaries, memory, logs, or network traffic
• Familiarity with automation, scalable system design, or cloud-based development