Senior / SME Software Developer – Java / Python

JobCubby; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

NT Concepts is seeking a Senior/ SME Software Engineer with deep Java or Python expertise to lead architecture, development, and modernization efforts for government-focused programs. You will drive backend design, data pipelines, and secure interfaces across multi-system environments.

The role requires active TS/SCI with CI Poly, experience with microservices, cloud (AWS/Azure), and DevOps practices. Local to DC metro with remote flexibility, and a strong engineering culture.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of software engineering (or 10+ years for SME).
• Deep production expertise in Java (11/17+ and Spring) or Python (3.x, FastAPI, Flask) across both environments.
• Experience designing scalable microservices, enterprise APIs, and secure interfaces.
• Strong relational and NoSQL data modeling, and experience with PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch.
• Cloud and containerization: Docker and Kubernetes on AWS/Azure in secure environments.
• CI/CD, automated testing, and secure coding practices; Agile/Scrum delivery.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement backend applications, microservices, and data pipelines in Java or Python.
• Provide SME guidance on software architecture, design patterns, and engineering standards.
• Lead API and system integration design across multi-system environments.
• Design and optimize data storage and transformation pipelines (SQL/NoSQL).
• Drive cloud-native designs and container strategies in secure IC cloud environments.
• Ensure security, zero-trust, high availability, and low-latency performance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into technical roadmaps and solutions.

Skills

Java

Python

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Microservices

Agile/Scrum

Distributed systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Elasticsearch

FastAPI/Flask

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Senior to SME-level Software Engineer with deep expertise in Java or Python to join our team. Working at NT Concepts means that you are part of an innovative, agile company dedicated to solving the most critical challenges in National Security. We’re looking for high-caliber technical leaders to join us in supporting this mission. If meaningful work, initiative, technical leadership, and continuous self-improvement are important to your career, join our growing team and discover What's Next for you.

Mission Focus

As a senior technical leader on our solutions delivery team, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and drive programs advancing critical government systems. NT Concepts is seeking a Senior / SME Developer to lead and architect solutions for an exciting data transformation and system modernization initiative within the Intelligence Community (IC).

Clearance: Active TS/SCI CI Poly

Location / Flexibility

Local to the DC Metro Area, Remote Flexible

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Development: Architect, design, and implement resilient, scalable backend applications, microservices, and distributed data processing pipelines using Java (e.g., Spring Boot) or Python (e.g., FastAPI, Django, distributed frameworks).
• Technical Leadership & SME Guidance: Serve as the subject matter expert on software architecture, design patterns, and engineering standards across the program; mentor team members and lead technical design sessions.
• API & System Integration: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise RESTful APIs, event-driven architectures, and secure interfaces across complex multi-system environments.
• Data Transformation & Modernization: Architect and optimize robust data storage, ingestion, and transformation pipelines utilizing complex SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch).
• Cloud & Infrastructure Strategy: Drive cloud-native application designs and container orchestration strategies (Docker, Kubernetes) within secure IC cloud environments (AWS / Azure).
• Security & Performance Engineering: Ensure systems meet the highest standards of security compliance, zero-trust architecture, high availability, and low-latency performance.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with government stakeholders, product managers, and systems architects to translate complex operational needs into clear technical roadmaps and actionable solutions.

Qualifications

• Security Clearance: Must possess an active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph.
• Senior Level: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 7+ years of professional software engineering experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• SME Level: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 10+ years of progressive software engineering and architectural leadership experience.
• Core Languages: Deep production expertise in Java (Java 11/17+, Spring Framework / Spring Boot) OR Python (Python 3.x, FastAPI, Flask, async programming), with the versatility to work across both environments.
• System Design & Architecture: Proven track record of designing scalable, loosely coupled, and fault-tolerant microservices architectures and enterprise APIs.
• Database Architecture: Advanced experience with relational data modeling, query optimization, and NoSQL solutions (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, DynamoDB, Elasticsearch).
• Cloud & Containerization: Hands-on experience architecting and deploying solutions in secure cloud environments (AWS, Azure) using Docker and Kubernetes.
• DevOps & CI/CD: Strong understanding of continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and secure coding practices.
• Methodologies: Strong background working within and guiding Agile/Scrum delivery teams.

Preferred / Desired Skills

• Experience with large-scale data transformation, ETL/ELT pipelines, or distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Apache Spark, Kafka, AWS Glue/EMR).
• Experience architecting solutions within high-security or air-gapped AWS environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud / C2S).
• Relevant technical certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, or relevant language certifications)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 10-15 pounds at times.

The pay range listed for this position reflects the wage or salary range NT Concepts expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. The compensation offered to a successful candidate within this range will be based on legitimate, job-related factors, including (but not limited to) the candidate's work location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Virginia Pay Range

$120,336—$180,504 USD

About NT Concepts

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in the Washington DC Metro area, NT Concepts is a private, mid-tier company with clients spanning the Intelligence and Defense communities. We deliver end-to-end data and technology solutions that advance the modernization, transformation, and automation of the national security mission—solutions with real impact developed in a strong engineering culture that encourages technical growth, leadership, and creative “big idea” problem-solving.

Employees are the core of NT Concepts. We understand that world-changing concepts happen in collaborative environments. We are a company where talented teams work together using innovation and expertise to solve our clients’ most critical challenges. Here, you’ll gain competitive benefits, opportunities to bolster your skills and develop new abilities, and a company culture dedicated to support and service. In addition to our benefits program, we encourage our employees to take part in #NTC_GivesBack, which paves the way for positive social change.

If joining a stable company with strong professional growth opportunities resonates with you, and you seek vital, mission-driven projects (for some pretty cool clients) that use your specific talents, we’d love to have you move forward with us.