Principal Software Architect

Redhorse; Chantilly (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Redhorse Corporation is seeking a Principal Software Architect to provide architectural oversight, research, and development for advanced applications central to national interests. You will turn complex visions into executable designs, supervise distributed teams, and lead technical capture efforts to win new missions.

Applicants should have a TS/SCI clearance and extensive experience in software architecture, DoD/IC-focused solutions, and high‑level capability briefings to shape the company’s

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance is required.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, or 10+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated authority in designing and developing highly advanced software applications.
• Proven track record leading technical capture efforts and capability briefings.

Responsibilities

• Provide architectural and big-picture oversight for the development of new or enhanced products.
• Articulate a clear architectural vision and conceptualize alternatives through experimentation.
• Create architectural models, component specifications, and interface documentation.
• Validate architecture against complex requirements and foundational assumptions.
• Collaborate with product developers, managers, and customer experts to deliver features.
• Lead research and development of advanced applications to create new opportunities.
• Lead efforts to capture new business through proofs of concept and briefings.
• Provide high‑level technical advice across departments.
• Integrate complex components from distributed teams.
• Guide planning analysts on technical research and user support.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

Architectural oversight

Lead technical capture

R&D experience

Collaboration with product teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)

Master’s degree

Tools

GitLab

Jira

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Organization

Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.

About the Role

Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. We are seeking a Principal Software Architect to serve as a recognized expert and technical leader within the company. This role is pivotal to our mission, as you will design, research, and develop highly advanced applications that create new business opportunities. You will provide the big-picture architectural oversight for our most critical products, turning complex technical visions into reality while leading technical capture efforts to win new missions for Redhorse.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide architectural and big-picture oversight for the development of new or enhanced products.
• Articulate a clear architectural vision and conceptualize alternative approaches through rigorous experimentation.
• Create comprehensive architectural models, component specifications, and interface documentation.
• Validate system architecture against complex requirements and foundational assumptions.
• Collaborate with product developers, managers, and customer experts to create software containing required features.
• Act as a recognized expert to design, research, and develop advanced applications that result in new product or business opportunities.
• Lead efforts to capture new business through technical work, proofs of concept, and high-level capability briefings.
• Provide high-level technical advice to departments across the organization.
• Integrate complex components built by distributed product development teams.
• Lead teams of planning analysts responsible for technical research and user group assistance.
• Work with wide latitude for independent judgment on unusually complex technical problems.

Required Experience/Clearance

• Must have an active TS/SCI security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a recognized authority in designing and developing highly advanced software applications.
• Proven track record of leading technical capture efforts and providing capability briefings to secure new business.
• Extensive proficiency in architectural modeling, component/interface specification, and R&D.
• Ability to work without supervision on highly complex projects that require innovative solutions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (specific level to be determined by mission requirements).

Desired Experience

We encourage all candidates who meet the basic requirements to apply, even if you do not have any of the following experience:

• Experience with modern data platforms such as DataBricks, Spark, or similar cloud-based analytics tools.
• Proficiency with enterprise-level version control and CI/CD tools like GitLab and Jira.
• Experience architecting solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Background in identifying and prototyping emerging technologies to solve government mission gaps.
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architecture.

The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity.

• eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable.

Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.