Junior Software Engineer

GRVTY; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GRVTY is seeking a Junior Software Engineer in the Sterling, VA area to join a multi-team agile program. You’ll work with senior engineers on backend services, data workflows, and system interfaces, expanding your knowledge of containerized cloud environments and DevSecOps practices.

Requirements include 2+ years of backend experience, Python expertise, Bash scripting, PostgreSQL/Redis familiarity, and Terraform/CI/CD exposure.

Qualifications

• Top-Secret clearance (TS) is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience developing backend applications or scripts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend services, scripts, and endpoints using Python.
• Assist in implementing data connectors, API endpoints, and messaging interfaces for reliable data flow.
• Write and maintain unit and integration tests to validate code functionality and coverage.

Skills

Python

Bash

Git

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM or equivalent

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Dockerfiles

PostgreSQL

Redis

Helm

GitHub Actions

Job description

What Impact You'll Have

We are seeking an enthusiastic Junior Software Engineer with 2+ years of experience to join our multi‑team agile engineering program. In this role, you will work alongside senior engineers to develop, test, and maintain backend services, data workflows, and system interfaces supporting mission‑critical capabilities.

This is a hands‑on technical role ideal for a software engineer with strong foundational skills who is eager to expand their knowledge of modern backend systems, containerized cloud environments, and DevSecOps best practices.

What You'll be Owning

• Develop and maintain backend services, scripts, and endpoints using Python, adhering to existing coding standards, architectural patterns, and guidelines.
• Assist in implementing data connectors, API endpoints, and messaging interfaces to facilitate reliable data flow between services.
• Write and maintain comprehensive unit and integration tests to validate code functionality, improve test coverage, and support continuous verification.
• Investigate, reproduce, and fix software defects identified in test or development environments under the guidance of senior team members.
• Package code into Docker containers and assist in deploying applications to Kubernetes test clusters using existing Helm charts and CI/CD pipelines.
• Engage actively in agile ceremonies—including daily stand‑ups, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and code reviews—receiving and applying constructive feedback from peers.

What You Must Have

• Active or current Top-Secret (TS) security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience developing backend applications or scripts.
• Solid foundational programming skills in Python (object-oriented programming, data structures, writing clean functions) and basic familiarity with Bash scripting for task automation.
• Working knowledge of relational databases—specifically querying, joining, and updating tables in PostgreSQL—and conceptual familiarity with Redis or in‑memory caching.
• Basic experience writing and building Dockerfiles and running containerized services locally; familiarity with the basics of Kubernetes.
• Practical experience using Git (branching, merging, resolving basic merge conflicts, submitting pull requests) and running automated tests within CI/CD workflows.
• Strong problem-solving mindset, curiosity to understand underlying systems, and a proactive attitude toward learning and receiving peer feedback.

What Would be Nice to Have

• Active or current Top-Secret clearance with SCI access and polygraph (TS/SCI with poly).
• Privileged User eligibility (CompTIA Security+ certification, DoD 8570 IAT Level II, or equivalent).
• Exposure to deploying or debugging applications using Helm on Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with RESTful API principles or lightweight backend frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask).
• Basic exposure to message brokers or pub/sub concepts (e.g., Redis pub/sub, RabbitMQ).
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins) and automated linting/security scans.

Pay Range

At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications. We're proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work‑life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the well‑being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

• The pay range for this position is: $100,000 - $160,000

Why Choose GRVTY

The toughest national security challenges demand vision and ingenuity, not just resources. We deliver mission and technical expertise to outpace our adversaries. We're purpose‑built to tackle the most entrenched, systemic national security issues around the world.

We partner with our customers to help them overcome challenges in every corner of technology and defense—including the ones still being explored. Our growing capabilities create complementary advantages, giving on‑the‑ground operations the edge they need to succeed. We muster everything we have to answer every challenge presented, every day of our lives.

At GRVTY, we believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and work‑life balance.

• Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401k with generous company match
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Variety of Company Sponsored Events

EEO Statement

GRVTY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations should [e-mail] or call 703-544-7930 with requested details. A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days.