Senior Software Engineer - TS/SCI

VMD Corp; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcelerate Solutions in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with TS/SCI clearance to design, build, and maintain Python microservices interfacing with Kafka and Elasticsearch. You will deploy in Kubernetes, develop robust CI/CD pipelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced government contracting environment.

The role emphasizes scalable, observable, secure systems and close interaction with systems engineers, software engineers, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8+ years of relevant experience (or Master’s with 6+ years).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain a polygraph.
• Strong Python proficiency and backend frameworks (FastAPI, Flask).
• Experience with Docker containerization.
• Experience in ETL and Linux environments.
• Solid knowledge of RESTful APIs and microservice patterns.
• Hands-on Kubernetes deployment, monitoring, and debugging.
• Familiarity with Git and PR-based workflows (GitLab/Jenkins CI/CD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Python microservices.
• Implement message consumers and producers with Apache Kafka.
• Integrate with Elasticsearch for real-time indexing and querying.
• Write unit and integration tests with high coverage.
• Build CI/CD pipelines and deploy in Kubernetes clusters.
• Participate in design reviews and architecture planning.
• Monitor production systems with observability tools.
• Document technical approaches and share knowledge within the team.
• Apply DevOps practices and secure coding standards.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Linux scripting

Agile practices

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Apache Kafka

Elasticsearch

GitLab/Jenkins CI/CD

Job description

Senior Software Engineer – TS/SCI

Xcelerate Solutions has an exciting opening for you as our next TS/SCI cleared Software Engineer supporting a long-term DIA-NDOC DOMEX Technology Platform (DTP) contract. You will work closely with Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Architects, and Operations Engineering/Manager on a broad scope of activities extending across the development of systems to include middle-tier and backend engineering tasks. Have impact as part of a mission focused, solutions oriented, and adaptive team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development. While most work is conducted on-site at our client location in Bethesda, MD, we offer a flexible schedule and, occasionally, some tasks may be performed remotely. The percentage of remote work will vary based on client requirements/deliverables. Specifically, we are looking for a skilled Python developer to join our team to build and maintain scalable microservices that interface with Kafka for real-time messaging and Elasticsearch for data indexing and search. You'll deploy and monitor your services in a Kubernetes environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams in designing reliable, observable, and secure systems. Our client’s overall mission is to design and implement a data centric architecture that leverages cloud-based computing, artificial intelligence (Al), machine learning (ML) and cross-domain transfer systems.Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.

Location

Bethesda, MD

Security Clearance

Active TS/SCI

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Python microservices
• Implement message consumers and producers with Apache Kafka
• Integrate with Elasticsearch for real-time and batch data indexing and querying
• Write unit and integration tests; ensure high code coverage and reliability
• Build CI/CD pipelines for your services and deploy them in Kubernetes clusters
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, and architecture planning
• Monitor and troubleshoot production issues with observability tools
• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing within the team
• Utilizes software engineering and design methodologies appropriate to the development, integration, and production environment
• Foster an environment of collaboration with the different team members in the goal of providing quality service and product to our customers

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8 or more years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6 or more years of prior relevant experience. Experience can be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Must possess an Active Top Secret/SCI clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a Polygraph
• Proficiency in Python and related backend frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask).
• Experience with containerization, especially with Docker
• Experience in Extraction, Transformation, and Load (ETL)
• Hands-on development experience in a Linux environment including bash or bash-like scripting
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs and microservice architecture
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes: deploying, monitoring, and debugging services
• Understanding of common design patterns, security practices, and logging/monitoring principles
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative workflows (PRs, reviews)
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools including Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tools and practices, especially Gitlab or Jenkins
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with AGILE practices
• Enthusiastic with the ability to work well in a team and a self-starter who can work on their own

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with designing and implementing software development kits
• Familiarity DGX (Deep GPU Xceleration)
• Active Security+ certification and ability to obtain Privileged User Account (PUA) certification by the Government
• Elasticsearch certifications or other program stack related certifications
• Experience of a production/enterprise systems at scale
• Knowledge of distributed systems concepts (e.g., idempotency, eventual consistency)
• Familiarity with schema registries and Kafka streaming patterns
• Experience blending analytical methodologies and leveraging existing COTS/GOTS/OS tools in an unconventional manner.
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS/C2S)
• Familiarity or experience with building applications around Large Language Models, Agentic AI

About Xcelerate Solutions

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate’s culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal’s “50 Best Places to Work” list as well as being a “Great Place to Work” certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the DC Metro top employers! Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability. Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.