Senior Software Lead Developer

Piper Companies; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Developer Lead to head a small, high‑performing team focused on Mission Management and Mission Planning, delivering Java‑based software for national security space missions.

This hands‑on technical leader will shape system architecture across the full SDLC and work onsite in Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA; TS/SCI clearance with SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience applying foundational Computer Science principles, object‑oriented design, and software patterns.
• Hands‑on experience with Java, C++, and/or Python in full‑stack software development environments.
• Proven experience leading software development teams or projects across the SDLC.
• Active Top Secret (TS) U.S. Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Ability to successfully complete a CI Polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of software development activities, including detailed design, coding, and unit, integration, functional, and system testing.
• Translate system-level requirements into traceable software requirements, designs, code, and test artifacts.
• Partner with system engineering, product management, and mission stakeholders to ensure customer, operational, and performance requirements are met.
• Perform and lead code reviews to ensure compliance with technical standards, best practices, and security requirements.
• Identify software risks and issues through system-level analysis and lead mitigation strategies throughout the software lifecycle.
• Oversee test execution, verification activities, defect resolution, and acceptance criteria closure.
• Ensure alignment of product delivery and development processes with program plans, quality standards, and industry best practices.
• Track team performance and support integration of supplier and partner contributions.

Skills

5+ years experience

CS principles

OO design

Software patterns

Leading teams

CI Polygraph

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science

Tools

Java

C++

Python

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Developer Lead to support a mission‑critical space program. This role will lead a small, high‑performing software development team focused on Mission Management and Mission Planning solutions. The Senior Software Developer Lead will work in a cross‑functional environment to design, develop, test, and deliver Java‑based software that enables stakeholders to advance national security space missions.

This position provides hands‑on technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle and offers the opportunity to meaningfully influence system architecture, team performance, and mission outcomes. This role is fully onsite in Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA. Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead planning and execution of software development activities, including detailed design, coding, and unit, integration, functional, and system testing
• Translate system‑level requirements into traceable software requirements, designs, code, and test artifacts
• Partner with system engineering, product management, and mission stakeholders to ensure customer, operational, and performance requirements are met
• Perform and lead code reviews to ensure compliance with technical standards, best practices, and security requirements
• Identify software risks and issues through system‑level analysis and lead mitigation strategies throughout the software lifecycle
• Oversee test execution, verification activities, defect resolution, and acceptance criteria closure
• Ensure alignment of product delivery and development processes with program plans, quality standards, and industry best practices
• Track team performance and support integration of supplier and partner contributions

Required Qualifications Include:

• 5+ years of experience applying foundational Computer Science principles, object‑oriented design, and software patterns
• Hands‑on experience with Java, C++, and/or Python in full‑stack software development environments
• Proven experience leading software development teams or projects across the SDLC
• Active Top Secret (TS) U.S. Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
• Ability to successfully complete a CI Polygraph

Preferred Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with front‑end and backend technologies including:
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, OpenLayers)
  • Spring Framework, Hibernate
  • RESTful APIs / OpenAPI
• Experience working within Agile or SAFe environments (sprints, standups, user stories, release planning)
• Familiarity with DevSecOps, CI/CD, TDD, and modern software delivery practices
• Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins or GitLab CI
• Experience with middleware technologies, particularly JMS and WebLogic
• Experience using dependency and build tools such as Maven, Gradle, Git, and Jenkins
• Working knowledge of RDBMS (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB)
• Experience developing and executing unit, integration, and system test cases
• Background supporting space‑based or ground‑based systems, or complex mission systems

Compensation and Benefits Information:

• Salary Range: $150,000-190,000+ **depending on experience**
• Full Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if required by law, and Holidays

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