Senior Specialist, Software Engineering (Back End Developer)

L3Harris Technologies; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 97,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

EAP

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Colorado Springs is seeking a Sr. Specialist, Software Engineer (Back End) to design and build mission-critical backend services using Java, Spring Boot, and SQL for national security applications.

You will participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to scalable, reliable systems in a demanding mission environment; a US security clearance is required or will be pursued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; Graduate Degree with 4+ years; or 10 years in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to obtain Secret clearance; DoD 8570/CompTIA Security+ a plus.
• Proficiency in Java, Spring Boot, and SQL for backend services.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot backend services and APIs.
• Participate in all phases of the software development life cycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including front-end, systems, and testers.
• Maintain and improve scalable, reliable distributed services.
• Work independently or in a team in a mission-critical environment.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

SQL

Backend development

Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree with 6+ years experience

Graduate Degree

10 years of experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Docker

GraphQL

Linux

Windows Server

OCI-compliant systems

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Sr. Specialist, Software Engineer (Back End Developer)

Job Code: 44018

Job Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked (Every Other Friday Off)

Job Description

Join L3Harris and the ATLAS team to build mission-critical backend capabilities that directly support the U.S. Space Force. In this role, you’ll use Java, Spring Boot, and SQL to design and develop high-impact services for the Advanced Tracking & Launch Analysis System, helping operators make better decisions in a space mission environment. It’s a chance to work on meaningful national security challenges, collaborate with strong technical teams, and see your software used in real-world operations. If you’re looking for work that combines modern backend development with purpose, scale, and mission impact, ATLAS is a compelling place to do it.

Essential Functions

• Expertise in backend development of web applications using Java, Spring Boot, and SQL; experience developing and maintaining scalable, reliable distributed services and APIs.
• Support and participate in all phases of the software development life cycle, including design, implementation, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot backend services, database interactions, and system performance in a mission-critical environment.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or in a team environment.
• Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including front-end developers, systems engineers, testers, and mission stakeholders.
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. Security clearance to maintain this position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Possess or ability to obtain Secret clearance

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with containerization (Docker, OCI‑compliant systems).
• Experience with Linux and Windows Server environments
• Experienced professional with proficient knowledge of web development
• Familiarity with GraphQL APIs or similar data‑querying patterns.
• DoD 8570 compliant; CompTIA Security+ is a plus.
• Background in space operations, SDA systems, or orbital M&S tools.

Salary & Benefits

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state is $97,000-$180,000.

Benefits include:

• health and disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• flexible spending accounts
• EAP
• education assistance
• parental leave
• paid time off
• company-paid holidays

The application window for this position will close on 10/30/2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.