Senior Enterprise Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD, is seeking a Senior Enterprise Software Engineer to lead software architecture and implementation for mission-critical defense projects. You will drive the technical vision and collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance decision-making capabilities for warfighters.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in delivering complex software systems, proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with cloud infrastructure. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and a dynamic environment dedicated to technical excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience delivering complex software systems.
• Experience with modern engineering practices including CI/CD.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead software development and deployment for national security.
• Design and develop mission-critical software systems.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.

Skills

C++

Python

DevSecOps practices

Agile development

Cloud infrastructure

Linux/Unix environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or related technical field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Description

Are you eager to architect and deliver robust, scalable, and secure software systems that enable real operational decisions for warfighters?

Are you excited to directly impact the nation’s most challenging defense problems?

Are you passionate about large, mission‑critical systems that are using cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps practices, and Agile development?

The Mission Engineering Group at JHU/APL of the Force Projection Sector is seeking a Senior Enterprise Software Engineer to help lead the technical vision, architecture, and implementation of mission‑centered software capabilities that advance augmented human decision‑making.

About Us

The Mission Engineering Group develops enterprise‑grade, distributed software and decision‑support tools that enable warfighters to harness a wide‑ranging set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense. We emphasize engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the software development lifecycle while promoting a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership of an APL team especially focused on software development and deployment activities for capabilities critical to our nation’s security.
• Lead the architecture and design of complex, mission‑critical software systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Implement and evolve modern engineering practices including Agile methods, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure‑as‑code.
• Design and develop interoperable, modular, and adaptable software components for enterprise and operational environments.
• Build and integrate software using C++, Java, and/or Python, leveraging tools such as Docker and Kubernetes, where appropriate.
• Take ownership of end‑to‑end delivery of key capabilities, from concept and prototype through integration, deployment, and sustainment.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, project managers, mission stakeholders, and partner organizations to translate mission and user needs into actionable software solutions.
• Promote rigorous engineering discipline, including code review, technical documentation, and adherence to quality and security standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and technical debt, and drive continuous refactoring and improvement of existing systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers, promoting a culture of learning, curiosity, and excellence within Agile teams.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and strategy, aligning software solutions with mission objectives, enterprise standards, and sponsor requirements.

Qualifications

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience successfully delivering complex or enterprise‑scale software systems in operational or near‑operational environments.
• Are proficient in C++ and comfortable working in large, multi‑module or multi‑service codebases.
• Have practical experience with at least one of the following: Python or MATLAB for algorithm development, analytics, modeling, or prototyping.
• Develop primarily in a Linux/Unix environment, using command‑line tools, scripting, and automated build/deployment processes.
• Have hands‑on experience with cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, or private cloud) and understand how to design and operate cloud‑hosted services securely and reliably.
• Are familiar with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes (or similar technologies).
• Have practical experience with DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and security scanning integrated into the development workflow.
• Have meaningful experience working within Agile software development processes (e.g., Scrum or Kanban) and collaborating on cross‑functional teams.
• Communicate clearly in written and verbal forms and can explain complex technical concepts to wide‑ranging audiences.
• Are a self‑starter who can lead technical workstreams independently while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, mission‑focused team.
• Are willing and able to periodically travel to and work at military facilities as required by project needs.
• Are familiar with design patterns such as Model‑View‑Controller (MVC) architectures.
• Have expertise in Version Control (VC) branching models and configuration management techniques.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Hold a master’s or doctorate degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics or a related technical field.
• Have led large or multi‑team software efforts, providing architectural direction and coordinating integration across multiple components or services.
• Have designed and operated cloud‑native systems (e.g., microservices, containerized workloads, Kubernetes‑based deployments) with strong reliability and observability practices.
• Are experienced with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools) and can help shape and improve our engineering ecosystem.
• Have built rich, mission‑focused user experiences or visualization‑heavy applications (e.g., using modern JavaScript frameworks such as React or Angular).
• Have experience applying Agile at scale (e.g., multi‑team Scrum, SAFe, or similar frameworks) in complex or multi‑organization environments.
• Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments, as well as Government sponsors and contractors.
• Are recognized as a technical authority and collaborative leader, and are motivated to influence technical strategy, engineering culture, and best practices across the Mission Engineering Group.
• Are proficient in Java.
• Have experience applying some or all of the following software technologies and data formats: message brokers, databases (relational and no‑SQL), load balancers, reverse proxies, REST interfaces, JSON, XML, and common variants of those formats (GeoJSON, KML, UCI, etc.).
• Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspective and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Compensation and Benefits

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually