Principal Software Developer

General Dynamics IT; United States; On-site; USD 187,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AI career tools

Internal mobility team

Competitive pay

Full-flex work week

Military-friendly workplace

Job summary

General Dynamics IT seeks a Principal Software Developer to design, build, and scale distributed systems, owning core services and delivering high-impact features in a fast-paced environment. You will lead a team of developers, collaborate across stacks, and communicate trade-offs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is proficient in Python or Java, understands multi‑tier architectures, and applies AI and automation thoughtfully to increase reliability, performance,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience
• Proficient in Python/Java or similar language
• Experience with distributed systems and microservices
• Leadership or mentoring experience

Responsibilities

• Deliver features and improve reliability of core services
• Identify bottlenecks and address them
• Take ownership of core product problems and prove impact at scale
• Work across the stack to solve problems independently
• Lead a team of Developers to engineer software
• Communicate technical decisions to stakeholders

Skills

Design

Problem Solving

Solutions Development

Job description

Job Title: Principal Software Developer

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Other

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

None

Public Trust/Other Required:

Other

Job Family:

Software Engineering

Job Qualifications:

Skills: Design, Problem Solving, Solutions Development

Certifications: None

Experience: 10 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required: No

Job Description:

Principal Software Developer

We value:

• Writing code rather than documents
• Shipping products rather than talking about roadmaps
• Big features rather than changing button colors

If this sounds like you, let's talk.

WHO YOU ARE:

We're looking for engineers of accomplishment who are passionate about our mission and have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact. You should be able to demonstrate the tangible value you've delivered in previous roles.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in Python/Java or similar language, an expert in the majority of language constructs, and able to apply them fluently to solve complicated and complex problems.

You thrive in environments that demand continuous learning and adaptation, embracing new technologies and approaches as the software engineering landscape evolves. You're not afraid to venture into uncharted territory and actively leverage AI tools to amplify your engineering capabilities and deliver greater impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas are discussed and challenged openly
• Deliver new features and improve reliability of our core services including the major read/write paths for customer intake, application screening, and information dissemination
• Identify major system bottlenecks or flaws in business logic, and proactively address them
• Take ownership over core product problems, develop solutions you're proud of, and prove through data that they deliver impact at scale
• Work across the stack to solve problems -- there is no reliance on another engineer or team to get something done for you
• Lead a team of Developers to engineer and develop software to solve complex user problems
• Communicate technical decisions and trade-offs effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Evidence of Engineering Accomplishment:

• Demonstrated track record of delivering high-impact software solutions in professional settings
• Proven ability to design and implement distributed systems (multi-tier architectures) including storage layers, caching layers, application layers, with understanding of failure modes
• Verifiable experience with microservice architectures, especially in high-throughput and low-latency systems
• Portfolio of work showing expertise with system transformations (e.g., applying strangler patterns to evolve monoliths to microservices)
• Experience with complex systems migrations involving multiple phases (dark reads, dark writes, light reads, light writes)

Technical Excellence:

• Expert-level proficiency in at least one modern programming language (Java, Python, or similar)
• Expert-level proficiency in cloud engineering paradigms, especially high-scale asynchronous systems and secure service integration patterns
• Deep understanding of design patterns, reliability, and scaling principles
• Strong architectural and system design capabilities

Leadership & Communication:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Experience mentoring engineers, leading technical teams, or serving as a tech lead
• Ability to influence technical direction and advocate for sound engineering practices

Adaptability & Growth:

• Track record of learning and adapting to new technologies, frameworks, and methodologies
• Demonstrated embrace of AI and automation tools to enhance productivity and engineering outcomes
• Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to venture into new problem domains

Note: We value demonstrated accomplishment and impact over years of experience. If you can show us the value you've created, the problems you've solved, and your ability to grow with the evolving demands of modern software engineering, we want to hear from you.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
• Flexibility: Full-flex work week to own your priorities at work and at home
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career in software development at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your dedication to advancing innovation.

The likely salary range for this position is $187,000 - $253,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or s