Senior Software Engineer

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing in Sterling, VA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and build scalable, high-performance systems that support critical missions. You will work on distributed computing, data pipelines, and real-time intelligence applications using Kubernetes, Docker, and modern DevSecOps.

The role requires a BS in a STEM field, 6+ years in production C++ and 5+ years building scalable systems, with Linux expertise and TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM.
• 6+ years production-grade C++ experience.
• 5+ years building scalable distributed systems.
• Proficiency with Linux development environments.
• Experience with Kubernetes/Podman/Docker; CI/CD & Git.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for distributed systems with scalability and performance optimization in mind.
• Integrate machine learning models and AI-driven analytics to augment signal processing and network intelligence.
• Build and optimize containerized applications (Kubernetes, Helm) and microservices architectures for operational efficiency.
• Develop solutions for event-driven systems and large-scale data workflows using Kafka and gRPC.
• Work collaboratively across teams to incorporate data-driven insights into new and existing systems.
• Prototype new concepts and iterate on innovative ideas to improve automation, efficiency, and system performance.
• Maintain adherence to agile development practices and modern DevSecOps workflows with a focus on security and reliability.

Skills

C++ production code

Distributed systems

Linux development

CI/CD

DevSecOps

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Kubernetes

Podman

Docker

Helm

Git

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 Engineer

At Nightwing, we are on a mission to develop resilient and scalable systems that support critical missions. We’re looking for a talented Software Engineer who excels at solving complex technical challenges and building high-performance solutions. In this role, you will collaborate with an innovative team to design cutting-edge systems using advanced technologies like distributed computing, machine learning, and AI-driven analytics.

This onsite role is based at our National Business Park, Maryland location.

About The Role

As a Software Engineer at Nightwing, you will be responsible for creating systems that operate at scale, are reliable under demanding conditions, and incorporate advanced technical approaches. You will have opportunities to work on projects involving high-impact signal processing, adaptive algorithms, large-scale data pipelines, and real-time intelligence applications. You’ll play a key role in building technologies that protect the nation’s security and advance critical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software for distributed systems with scalability and performance optimization in mind.
• Integrate machine learning models and AI-driven analytics to augment signal processing and network intelligence.
• Build and optimize containerized applications (Kubernetes, Helm) and microservices architectures for operational efficiency.
• Develop solutions for event-driven systems and large-scale data workflows using tools like Kafka and gRPC.
• Work collaboratively across teams to incorporate data-driven insights into new and existing systems.
• Prototype new concepts and iterate on innovative ideas to improve automation, efficiency, and system performance.
• Maintain adherence to agile development practices and modern DevSecOps workflows with a focus on security and reliability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
• At least 6 years of experience writing production-grade C++ code.
• 5 or more years of software development experience, including designing and building scalable systems.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development environments, data structures, and algorithm design.
• Strong experience with distributed systems and containerized applications using technologies such as Kubernetes, Podman, or Docker.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps tools and workflows, including CI/CD pipelines and version control systems like Git.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with event-driven architectures, messaging systems like Kafka, and APIs such as RESTful services or gRPC.
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks and their application to analyzing network traffic or signal processing.
• Understanding of multithreading, parallel processing, and asynchronous programming techniques.
• Familiarity with embedded systems and hardware/software integration.
• Experience integrating and applying LLMs to existing workflows for force multiplication.

Why Join Us

Nightwing offers a unique opportunity to solve meaningful problems while working with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative environment. Our team values creativity and innovation as we develop solutions that have real-world impact. You'll enjoy access to state-of-the-art tools, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to projects that help shape the future of security and defense.

Security Clearance Required

TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (active)

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) 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.