Journeyman Software Developer

ARA Brand; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Journeyman Software Developer to join a DoD-focused team delivering data analysis tools, visualizations, and collaboration systems.

You’ll work in Agile teams, scope requirements, implement front-end and back-end features, and support secure deployments to DoD environments. Responsibilities include developing with HTML/CSS/JavaScript frameworks (Angular, Vue, React), maintaining code in remote git repos, and guiding requirements with government

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen.
• Active SECRET clearance or higher with ability to upgrade to TS/SCI.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar with 5+ years’ experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years’ experience.
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (Java, Python, Golang).
• Strong proficiency in Python and modern web languages (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) as well as common frameworks (Angular, Vue, React).
• Experience in developing software using AI-assisted development tools, including coding, debugging, and testing.
• Proficiency with cloud service offerings (AWS, Azure, GCE).
• Proficiency with containerized software deployments (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm).
• Proficiency with SharePoint site design, management, and development.
• Proficiency with Agile, git source control management, CI/CD processes.
• Ability to write clearly and produce documentation, user guides, software requirements, and training materials.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver data analysis tools, collaboration systems, and visualizations for government customers.
• Take a leadership position within a team-based Agile environment and refine requirements with government leads.
• Implement features using HTML, CSS, Angular, and Python; adapt shared components and maintain code in remote git repositories.
• Scope relevant datasets and platforms, produce wireframes and mockups, and iterate through development/testing cycles.
• Support deployment of solutions to cloud, local, and edge environments and assist with documentation, product updates, and backlog inputs.

Skills

Java

Python

Golang

HTML/CSS/JS

Angular

Vue

React

CI/CD

Git

AI-assisted development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science/software engineering

Master’s degree in computer science/software engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm

SharePoint

CI/CD tools

Git

Job description

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Journeyman Software Developer to support a multi‑disciplinary team delivering software across the DoD mission space. The developer will work in Agile teams to scope requirements, implement front‑end and back‑end features, and support secure deployments to DoD environments. Clear, organized documentation and collaboration with customers and stakeholders are essential.

The Journeyman Software Developer supports the design, development, and delivery of data analysis tools, collaboration systems, and visualizations that address real‑world operational needs and capability gaps for government customers. Taking a leadership position within a team‑based Agile environment, the developer collaborates closely with government leads to refine requirements and acceptance criteria. Responsibilities include implementing features using HTML, CSS, Angular, and Python, adapting shared components, and maintaining code in remote git repositories. The developer participates in scoping relevant datasets and platforms, producing wireframes and mockups, iterating through development/testing cycles, and incorporating user feedback. They support deployment of solutions to cloud, local, and edge environments and assist with preparing documentation, product updates, and backlog inputs.

This position is contingent upon ability to be upgraded to a TS/SCI clearance and award of a contract expected in January 2027.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a US citizen.
• Active and current SECRET clearance or higher with ability to upgrade to a TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/software engineering or similar with 5+ years’ experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years’ experience.
• Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages (Java, Python, Golang).
• Strong proficiency in Python and modern web languages (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) as well as common frameworks (Angular, Vue, React).
• Experience in developing software using AI-assisted development tools, including coding, debugging, and testing.
• Proficiency with cloud service offerings (AWS, Azure, GCE).
• Proficiency with containerized software deployments (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm).
• Proficiency with SharePoint site design, management, and development.
• Proficiency with Agile, git source control management, CI/CD processes.
• Ability to write clearly and produce documentation, user guides, software requirements, and training materials.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with modern SQL and NoSQL databases (Postgres, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB).
• Familiarity with Section 508 Compliance and associated testing.
• Experience leading Agile teams, prioritizing backlogs, managing work in progress, and continuous improvement
• Experience in project management, coordinating with customers, and establishing scope, budget, and timelines for milestones and product releases.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Range: $100,000 - 130,000.00 per year, based on years of experience, education, and any specialized skills or knowledge brought to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits designed to support our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.