Senior Software Engineer

Clarity Innovations; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Innovations is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to drive backend design and scalable platform deployment across hybrid cloud environments. You will implement GitOps workflows to automate operations, pursue reliable delivery, and ensure secure, high-quality infrastructure for DoD/IC workloads.

The role requires TS/SCI clearance and a strong background in containerization, Kubernetes, and IaC. Hybrid work with 2–3 onsite days is available at Herndon, VA or Columbia, MD, supporting

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph for US citizens
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field or 4 years of relevant experience
• Experience deploying and maintaining Docker containers and Kubernetes clusters with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with containerization (Docker/Podman) and Kubernetes orchestration
• Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform preferred)
• Linux-based development environment proficiency
• Strong collaboration and ability to work independently
• Proficiency with Git/GitHub/GitLab for source control

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of back-end systems
• Deploy and maintain a robust platform, ensuring a usable product on-time
• Test the platform to manage resources effectively
• Facilitate delivery and deployment of the platform

Skills

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Linux

Git/GitHub/GitLab

CI/CD

GitOps

Platform engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Terraform

Git

CI/CD tools

Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Overview

The Software Engineer position is part of a dynamic team at the forefront of implementing infrastructure designs to support the next generation of cyberspace operations. This role presents unique opportunities to iterate, streamline, and scale your platform’s capabilities to meet the demand for broad deployment and exceptional flexibility. In this role, your team will implement a platform that simplifies complex infrastructure management across a mix of cloud-native and on-premises environments. Your work will involve scalable systems architecture; implementing GitOps workflows for version-controlled and automated operations; and creating and leveraging tools and processes that bridge the gap between development and operations while simultaneously enhancing productivity and reliability across diverse infrastructure settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate and lead design and architecture of back-end systems
• Deploy and maintain a robust and high-quality platform, putting the user’s requirements first and always driving towards a working product on-time
• Limit and resource test the platform
• Facilitate delivery and deployment of the platform

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (note, only US Citizens are eligible for security clearances) with CI polygraph
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline (degree requirement can be met with four years of hands on experience in a software engineer or similar full time position)
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to deploy, maintain, and monitor hardware, docker containers, and Kubernetes clusters with limited supervision - this is typically achieved after a minimum of 2 years of full time industry experience and a bachelors degree
• Proficient in containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman)
• Proficient with container orchestration using Kubernetes
• Proficient with Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform preferred)
• Comfortable and proficient in Linux-based development environments
• Ability to collaborate as a team but execute independently
• Comfortable in a high-trust, adaptable, team environment
• Proficient in system architecture and design
• Proficient with source code management tools like Git, GitHub or GitLab

Preferred Qualifications

• Active US TS/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph or higher
• More than 5 years of industry experience in a platform engineering, DevOps or similar role in the Cyber Operation Domain
• Experience communicating with customers and end-users

Location and Clearance

• This is a hybrid position with an expected 2-3 days onsite on an "as needed" basis with no minimum required time. Clarity Innovations strives to set consistent expectations and ensure a flexible and healthy work-life balance, but due to the position's nature and emergent customer needs, some weeks may exceed 2-3 days and others may require no onsite work.
• This position is available in both Herndon, VA or Columbia, MD, and will require a counterintelligence polygraph within six months after hire. Candidates desiring to be based out of Fort Meade will require a counterintelligence polygraph prior to hiring.

Senior Software Engineer

$102,200 - $173,700 USD

Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the national salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.

At Clarity, a career means joining a high-performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us—competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.

Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and ability to contribute to essential digital missions.

We are an equal opportunity 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.