CNO Software Engineer Level 3

Adaptic; Maryland; On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Adaptic is seeking a CNO Software Engineer to help build capabilities powering Computer Network Operations for the DoD and IC. You will lead architecture, guide teams, and deliver mission-critical tools for detecting, analyzing, and defending against evolving threats.

You will collaborate with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams, drive DevOps and CI/CD practices, and mentor engineers while shaping technical direction across programs.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph.
• Twenty 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.
• 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 two (2) years of experience with cybersecurity tools or techniques, such as reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or MITRE ATT&CK.

Responsibilities

• Architecting, developing, and enhancing complex software systems supporting mission requirements.
• Leading system and software design decisions, including architecture, trade-offs, scalability, and integration.
• Collaborating with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to define and evolve advanced cyber capabilities.
• Providing technical leadership across development efforts, ensuring alignment with mission needs and best practices.
• Troubleshooting and resolving complex system-level issues across distributed environments.
• Driving DevOps and CI/CD strategy to improve development velocity, reliability, and deployment efficiency.
• Working with large-scale and complex data sources (logs, binaries, network traffic) to support advanced analysis and tool development.
• Supporting both rapid-response (QRC) efforts and long-term capability development initiatives.
• Evaluating and integrating emerging technologies to maintain mission advantage.
• Mentoring engineers across levels and contributing to team growth, standards, and technical direction.

Skills

Programming languages (C/C++, C#, Java

DevOps practices

CI/CD pipelines

Windows/UNIX/Linux

Cybersecurity tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

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 highly experienced engineers who lead from the front—driving architecture, guiding teams, and influencing how mission-critical capabilities are designed, built, and sustained.

You’ll lead the design and development of complex cybersecurity tools and mission systems—balancing hands-on expertise with technical leadership across teams and efforts. Day-to-day, that can look like:

• Architecting, developing, and enhancing complex and diverse software systems supporting mission requirements

• Leading system and software design decisions, including architecture, trade-offs, scalability, and integration

• Collaborating with Red, Blue, and Hunt teams to define and evolve advanced cyber capabilities

• Providing technical leadership across development efforts, ensuring alignment with mission needs and best practices

• Troubleshooting and resolving complex system-level issues across distributed environments

• Driving DevOps and CI/CD strategy to improve development velocity, reliability, and deployment efficiency

• Working with large-scale and complex data sources (logs, binaries, network traffic) to support advanced analysis and tool development

• Supporting both rapid-response (QRC) efforts and long-term capability development initiatives

• Evaluating and integrating emerging technologies to maintain mission advantage

• Mentoring engineers across levels and contributing to team growth, standards, and technical direction

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph

• Twenty (20) 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 two (2) years of experience with cybersecurity tools or techniques, such as reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or MITRE ATT&CK

Nice to Have

• Experience leading large or complex technical efforts across teams or programs

• Deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts, threat detection, and adversary techniques

• Experience supporting Red Team, Blue Team, or Hunt operations

• Experience analyzing binaries, memory, logs, or network traffic at scale

• Background in scalable system architecture, automation, or cloud-based environments

• Experience working in IC or DoD mission environments