Senior Principal Software Engineer

Nightwing Technologies, LLC; Maryland; On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing Technologies, LLC is seeking a Senior Software Developer specializing in Software Defined Networking. You will design and implement mission-critical SDN infrastructure, work with open-source controllers, and establish engineering standards for reliable, scalable systems.

This onsite Maryland role supports the Neptune program. You will lead development across Layer 2/3 protocols, CI/CD pipelines, and containerized architectures, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field
• 8+ years of software development experience with demonstrable expertise in building production-grade network systems
• Deep proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and C/C++ with the ability to choose the right tool for each problem
• Strong background in NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and network management interfaces

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Software Defined Networking solutions using open-source controllers with deep attention to architectural integrity and long-term maintainability
• Implement Layer 2/3 network protocols, routing algorithms, and network management interfaces (e.g., YANG) with precision and performance optimization
• Create infrastructure-as-code solutions using Terraform, Ansible, and modern CI/CD pipelines that are reproducible and resilient
• Develop and integrate SDN applications with containerized architectures using Kubernetes, ensuring seamless orchestration across hybrid cloud environments
• Lead code reviews with a critical eye for quality, identifying architectural weaknesses, performance bottlenecks, and maintainability issues before they reach production
• Collaborate with network engineers and security teams to implement DevSecOps practices that don't compromise on either velocity or security
• Mentor junior developers on software craftsmanship, network protocol implementation, and the principles of building systems that endure
• Work with physical network processors and network debugging tools to troubleshoot and optimize at both application and packet levels

Skills

Python

Java

C/C++

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 Networking

At 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 maintainability
• Implement Layer 2/3 network protocols, routing algorithms, and network management interfaces (e.g., YANG) with precision and performance optimization
• Create infrastructure-as-code solutions using Terraform, Ansible, and modern CI/CD pipelines that are reproducible and resilient
• Develop and integrate SDN applications with containerized architectures using Kubernetes, ensuring seamless orchestration across hybrid cloud environments
• Lead code reviews with a critical eye for quality, identifying architectural weaknesses, performance bottlenecks, and maintainability issues before they reach production
• Collaborate with network engineers and security teams to implement DevSecOps practices that don't compromise on either velocity or security
• Mentor junior developers on software craftsmanship, network protocol implementation, and the principles of building systems that endure
• Work with physical network processors and network debugging tools to troubleshoot and optimize at both application and packet levels

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field
• 8+ years of software development experience with demonstrable expertise in building production-grade network systems
• Deep proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and C/C++ with the ability to choose the right tool for each problem
• Expert-level understanding of network protocols: TCP/IP stack, Layer 2/3 protocols, DHCP/DHCPv6, RIP, ARP, with hands-on implementation experience
• Strong background in NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and network management interfaces
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable, performant code that other engineers respect and want to emulate
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible) and container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Proficiency with CI/CD workflows using GitLab, Jenkins, or similar platforms
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
• U.S. citizenship required

What Sets This Role Apart:

• Understands the nuances : You know why certain design decisions matter five years down the line, not just today
• Spots the slop : You can review code and immediately identify technical debt, performance issues, and maintainability problems
• Builds to last : Your solutions are elegant, well-documented, and require minimal maintenance because they were designed correctly from the start
• Leads by example : Other developers look at your code and learn what excellence looks like

Security Clearance Required: TS/SCI with polygraph (active)

Salary & Benefits

The 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, r