Senior Principal Software Engineer

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions, LLC; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

PTO

Holidays

Additional insurances

Job summary

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions, LLC is seeking a Senior Software Developer specialized in Software Defined Networking. You will design and implement mission-critical SDN infrastructure, work with open-source controllers, and establish engineering standards for reliability and performance.

The role requires 8+ years of production-grade network systems experience, TS/SCI with polygraph clearance, and strong proficiency in Python/Java/C/C++.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field.
• 8+ years of software development experience building production-grade network systems.
• Expert-level understanding of TCP/IP, Layer 2/3 protocols, and network management interfaces.
• Experience with NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and infrastructure-as-code tools.
• Proficiency with CI/CD workflows and container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop SDN solutions with open-source controllers and ensure long-term maintainability.
• Implement Layer 2/3 protocols, routing algorithms, and network management interfaces.
• Create infrastructure-as-code with Terraform and Ansible; orchestrate via CI/CD pipelines.
• Develop and integrate SDN apps with Kubernetes-based architectures across hybrid clouds.
• Lead code reviews to identify architectural weaknesses and performance bottlenecks.
• Mentor junior developers on software craftsmanship and protocol implementation.

Skills

Python

Java

C/C++

TCP/IP stack

Layer 2/3 protocols

DHCP/DHCPv6

RIP

ARP

NETCONF/YANG

REST APIs

Terraform

Ansible

Kubernetes

Docker

GitLab/Jenkins CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Kubernetes

Docker

GitLab

Jenkins

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.Senior Software Developer - Software Defined NetworkingAt Nightwing, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Software Developer who embodies technical excellence and craftsmanship in Software Defined Networking. We need someone who doesn't just write code, they architect elegant, performant solutions that stand the test of time. If you can spot the slop in poorly designed systems and have an innate drive to build SDN solutions that \"just work forever,\" this role is for you.About the Role:As a Senior Software Developer specializing in Software Defined Networking, you will be responsible for designing and implementing mission-critical SDN infrastructure that demands reliability, performance, and maintainability. You will work with open-source SDN controllers, create infrastructure-as-code solutions, and establish engineering standards that elevate our entire development practice. This is not a role for those who chase trends; We want an industry leader who understands the nuances of network protocols, distributed systems, and the subtle art of writing code that remains stable and maintainable for years.This onsite role is based at our National Business Park, Maryland location supporting the Neptune program.Responsibilities:Design and develop Software Defined Networking solutions using open-source controllers with deep attention to architectural integrity and long-term maintainabilityImplement Layer 2/3 network protocols, routing algorithms, and network management interfaces (e.g., YANG) with precision and performance optimizationCreate infrastructure-as-code solutions using Terraform, Ansible, and modern CI/CD pipelines that are reproducible and resilientDevelop and integrate SDN applications with containerized architectures using Kubernetes, ensuring seamless orchestration across hybrid cloud environmentsLead code reviews with a critical eye for quality, identifying architectural weaknesses, performance bottlenecks, and maintainability issues before they reach productionCollaborate with network engineers and security teams to implement DevSecOps practices that don't compromise on either velocity or securityMentor junior developers on software craftsmanship, network protocol implementation, and the principles of building systems that endureWork with physical network processors and network debugging tools to troubleshoot and optimize at both application and packet levelsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field8+ years of software development experience with demonstrable expertise in building production-grade network systemsDeep proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and C/C++ with the ability to choose the right tool for each problemExpert-level understanding of network protocols: TCP/IP stack, Layer 2/3 protocols, DHCP/DHCPv6, RIP, ARP, with hands-on implementation experienceStrong background in NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and network management interfacesDemonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable, performant code that other engineers respect and want to emulateExperience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible) and container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)Proficiency with CI/CD workflows using GitLab, Jenkins, or similar platformsActive TS/SCI clearance with polygraphU.S. citizenship requiredWhat Sets This Role Apart:This is not a position for engineers who prioritize speed over quality or follow the latest framework fad without understanding the fundamentals. We're looking for someone who:Understands the nuances: You know why certain design decisions matter five years down the line, not just todaySpots the slop: You can review code and immediately identify technical debt, performance issues, and maintainability problemsBuilds to last: Your solutions are elegant, well-documented, and require minimal maintenance because they were designed correctly from the startLeads by example: Other developers look at your code and learn what excellence looks likeSecurity Clearance Required: TS/SCI with polygraph (active)Salary & BenefitsThe salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.