Principal Software Engineer

SAIC; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to be onsite in Colorado Springs, CO, delivering software for mission-critical projects. You will balance hands-on coding with setting software development standards, practices, and toolchains across programs.

The role emphasizes cloud-native architectures, secure development, and collaboration with DevSecOps, software, and data teams to build scalable back-end and front-end solutions using Kubernetes, Kafka, and microservices.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of software development experience in Computer Science/Engineering
• 7+ years backend (Python, Java, C#, Go) and/or frontend (React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML5/CSS3) development
• Cloud-native architecture and multi-cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP) experience
• Proficient with DevSecOps tools: Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Helm
• Experience building RESTful/GraphQL APIs, microservices, and event-driven architectures (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
• CI/CD automation with testing, security scanning, and deployment workflows
• 3+ years working with government/defense/intelligence project requirements

Responsibilities

• Software design, development, and testing for multiple mission-critical projects
• Define software requirements, architecture, and deliverables with stakeholders
• Develop cloud-native web front ends and scalable back ends in Agile teams
• Conduct code reviews and ensure security and quality standards
• Collaborate with DevSecOps, software, and data engineers to build secure pipelines
• Hands-on coding and architectural prototyping as needed

Skills

Python

Java

C#

Go

React/Angular/Vue.js

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Master’s degree (desirable)

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Jenkins

Helm

Kafka

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2615749
Location Colorado Springs, CO, US
Date Posted 2026-08-17
Category Software
Subcategory SW Engineer
Schedule Full-Time
Shift Day Job
Travel Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None
Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer onsite in Colorado Springs, CO to serve as the Software Engineer for multiple mission-critical software development projects. This role will balance hands‑on technical contributions and input on software development best practices at the project level.
This position focuses on delivering software efforts for multiple projects, while also collaborating with the broader technical organization to define and refine software development standards, practices, and tools for consistent implementation across the program.

Responsibilities

Project‑Specific Delivery

• Software design, development, and testing for 2–4 mission‑critical projects, ensuring technical excellence and on‑time delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define software requirements, architecture, and deliverables.
• Participate in implementing cloud‑native applications, web front ends, and scalable back ends using Agile methodologies.
• Conduct code reviews, resolving issues, and maintaining adherence to project goals.
• Work with engineers across disciplines (DevSecOps, software, data) to build secure pipelines and deliver solutions utilizing Kubernetes, Kafka, and microservices.

Standards and Alignment

• Adhere to established standardized software development practices across projects.
• Define and improve development tools, frameworks, and workflows to enhance productivity, quality, and security.
• Promote and implement secure development practices, including secure coding, vulnerability scanning (e.g., Trivy), and continuous testing.
• Provide critical feedback on code, processes, and designs during reviews and evaluations.

Hands‑On Contributions as Needed

• Contribute to development by writing key code, resolving complex technical challenges, and creating architectural proofs of concept.
• Support rapid prototyping and provide engineering assistance during high‑pressure development cycles.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field and 15+ years of software development experience, or Master’s with 13+ years of experience.
• 7+ years of experience in back‑end (Python, Java, C#, Go) and/or front‑end (React, Angular, Vue.js, HTML5/CSS3) development.
• Expertise in cloud‑native architecture and multi‑cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, DAF Cloudworks, GCP).
• Proficient with DevSecOps tools Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Helm.
• Skilled in building RESTful/GraphQL APIs, microservices, and event‑driven architectures (Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Experience automating CI/CD pipelines with testing, security scanning, and deployment workflows.
• Knowledgeable in testing tools (JMeter, Selenium, Jest) for unit and end‑to‑end testing.
• 3+ years working with government, defense, and intelligence project development requirements and processes.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including experience with internal and external stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Target salary range $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.