Principal Software Engineer – Tech Lead (Army)

Socket.dev; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Principal Software Engineer - Tech Lead (Army) to steer technical direction for RFID-integrated front-end and Java back-end systems. You will mentor engineers, drive secure, scalable software, and collaborate directly with Army stakeholders to deliver capabilities in DoD environments.

You will lead cross-functional teams across UX, systems, and infrastructure, ensuring timely, production-grade deployments in Azure with Docker/Kubernetes, while maintaining strong customer

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of software engineering delivering enterprise apps.
• Experience leading development teams and mentoring engineers.
• Strong experience with React, Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript/TypeScript, and PostgreSQL.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs; familiarity with Azure cloud.
• Working knowledge of Docker and Kubernetes in production.
• Active Security+ certification and DoD network familiarity are preferred.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable, secure software solutions and provide technical leadership and code reviews.
• Hands-on development of React front-ends and Java Spring Boot services for Army environments.
• Design, deploy, and maintain secure apps and APIs in Microsoft Azure; utilize Docker and Kubernetes for scalability.
• Develop software that interfaces with RFID devices and Army logistics infrastructure.
• Collaborate with Army stakeholders to gather requirements and validate solutions within DoD networks.
• Address cybersecurity, performance, reliability, and interoperability requirements for mission systems.
• Guide agile teams through backlogs grooming, estimation, and production deployments.
• Collaborate with UX, systems, and government stakeholders to deliver field-ready software.

Skills

8+ years of software engineering

Experience leading development teams

React

Java

Spring Boot

JavaScript/TypeScript

PostgreSQL

REST APIs

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Security+ certification

Army/DoD networks familiarity

Excellent communication & stakeholder

US citizenship & Secret clearance

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer - Tech Lead(Army) to steer our technical direction and inspire a team of skilled developers. You’ll lead a high-performing development team to craft front-end applications and design business logic that integrates seamlessly with RFID hardware. But this isn’t just about building stuff in a vacuum, it’s about getting hands-on with customers, collaborating to solve bespoke challenges, and creating solutions that directly impact DoD missions.

This role is equal parts strategic thinker, technical collaborator, and product evangelist. If you thrive in ambiguity, love building something from the ground up, and want to make a tangible difference, we want you.

Who We AreWe’re not here to maintain the status quo, we’re here to rewrite it and innovate at the pace of need. Our team is laser-focused on creating cutting-edge RFID solutions for the DoD that bring passive and active RFID tech to life, solving tough integration challenges across global sites. We're a no-bench, get-after-it kind of company where initiative is rewarded, and innovation is our default setting. If you’re ready to dive in, take ownership, and ship real value, keep reading.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors—helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

• Lead by Example: Architect scalable, secure software solutions while providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews, and establishing engineering best practices.
• Hands-On Development: Design and develop modern React applications integrated with Java Springboot services, building responsive user interfaces for desktops, ruggedized tablets, and handheld devices operating in Army environments.
• Cloud & Infrastructure: Design, deploy, and maintain secure applications and APIs in Microsoft Azure, leveraging containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes to support scalable, mission-critical systems.
• RFID & Edge Device Integration: Develop software that integrates with passive and active RFID technologies, handheld scanners, mobile computing devices, and peripheral hardware to support Army logistics, inventory management, and asset visibility.
• Army Customer Engagement: Collaborate directly with Army stakeholders, program offices, and end users to gather requirements, validate technical solutions, and deliver capabilities that operate reliably within Army enterprise network environments.
• Mission Systems Engineering: Design solutions that operate across secure DoD infrastructures while addressing cybersecurity, performance, reliability, and interoperability requirements.
• Agile Technical Leadership: Partner with Product Managers to refine technical requirements, estimate work, groom backlogs, and guide engineering teams through successful sprint execution and production deployments.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software engineers, UX designers, systems engineers, infrastructure teams, and government stakeholders to deliver high-quality mission software from concept through fielding.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of software engineering experience delivering enterprise applications.
• Experience leading development teams and mentoring engineers.
• Strong experience with React, Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript/TypeScript, and PostgreSQL.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Experience deploying applications in Microsoft Azure.
• Working knowledge of Docker and Kubernetes.
• Active Security+ certification
• Familiarity with Army or DoD enterprise network environments.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and customer engagement skills.
• Experience leading agile teams and managing backlogs.
• Top-notch communication skills to manage stakeholders, inspire teams, and advocate for the product.
• U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain a Secret clearance (Active clearance preferred).

Bonus Points For:

• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD or equivalent).
• Experience developing applications for tablets, handhelds, and mobile devices.
• Experience integrating RFID devices, barcode scanners, and peripheral hardware.
• A proven track record of delivering solutions in DoD or similarly complex environments.

Target Salary Range: $100,000 - 190,000.

Final compensation will be determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to your skills, experience, education, and/or certifications.

Job Locations

US-Remote