Senior Software Engineer

Vigilant Cyber Systems, Inc; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A cybersecurity firm is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop software supporting Department of Defense projects, focusing on AI and ML technologies. The ideal candidate should have a STEM background, 4 years of software engineering experience, and skills in languages such as Scala, Python, and Rust. Proficiency in Docker, ELK tools, and UI development is preferred. This position allows for a flexible remote or on-site work arrangement.

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience as a Software Engineer.
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Experience with both desktop and web-based development.

Responsibilities

• Design and enhance software and systems incorporating AI and ML.
• Develop applications for Department of Defense projects.

Skills

Software development in Scala

Python scripting

Rust programming

Familiarity with LLMs

Understanding of ML concepts

Relational databases knowledge

Experience with ELK stack

Docker expertise

Proficiency with Git

UI/Frontend development

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Docker

ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)

Git

Job description

Location: Remote or Mount Airy, NC Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Vigilant Cyber Systems, Inc. (VCS) is seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer to support the development of our SBIR programs. In this role, you will design and enhance software and systems that incorporate AI and ML technologies. Responsibilities include developing and adapting applications for use in Department of Defense (DoD) projects.

Experience / Degree

4 years of experience as a Software Engineer with a STEM degree or equivalent experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience in many but not necessarily all of the following skills:

• Ability to write software or scripts in any or all of the following languages (Scala / Python / Rust)
• LLMs & AI tools– familiarity with large language models and their applications for data processing, text generation, or workflow automation.
• Machine learning basics– familiarity with common ML concepts, workflows, and model development, including training, validation, and evaluation.
• Database experience– knowledge of relational databases (e.g., SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL), schema design, queries, and data integrity.
• Log and metrics platforms – experience with ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) or comparable tools for data ingestion, indexing, and visualization.
• Containerization – experience with Docker and Docker Compose for building, testing and deploying environments.
• Log and metrics platforms – experience with ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) or comparable tools for data ingestion, indexing, and visualization.
• Version control & CI/CD– proficiency with Git workflows (branching, merging, code reviews) and experience with CI/CD pipelines.
• UI/Frontend development– ability to design and implement user interfaces; experience with frameworks such as ScalaFX, JavaFX, React, or similar.
• Secure communications & authentication– understanding of identity management, role-based access, and secure protocols (tools and platforms such as Keycloak, Vault, or CAC/PIV authentication)

Required

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Ability to work independently and in a small, fast-paced R&D team.

Preferred

• You bring a balance of both desktop and web based front end development.
• You have trained and shipped lightweight ML models suitable for real-time analysis.
• Familiarity with DoD or critical infrastructure systems.