Software Developer / IT Specialist

Rugged Science; Sparks Corner (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugged Science in Sparks, MD is seeking a versatile Software Developer / IT Specialist to build internal web apps and maintain our IT infrastructure. You will work with a Python REST API and a TypeScript frontend, gaining ownership as you grow.

We value solid fundamentals in development, SQL, networking, and containers, with on-the-job training available and a hands-on, collaborative team culture. Ideal candidates are curious, methodical, and able to document work clearly; experience with Linux,

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2+ years in a software development, IT support, or systems administration role.
• Solid fundamentals in core development concepts, SQL, networking, and containers.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain internal web applications our employees use daily with a Python REST API and a TypeScript front end.
• Write and tune SQL queries against ERP databases and PostgreSQL schemas, helping keep internal reporting accurate.
• Package and deploy applications as Docker containers through GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
• Handle day-to-day internal IT support: user accounts, workstations, printers, shop-floor terminals, and company mobile devices.

Skills

SQL

Docker

Linux

Git

Networking

TypeScript

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

BSc/AS in CS/IT

Tools

PostgreSQL

GitLab CI

Job description

Rugged Science builds rugged computer systems for the U.S. military and some of the most innovative industrial companies in the world, and business is growing fast. We are seeking a versatile, self-motivated Software Developer / IT Specialist with a can-do attitude.

About the Role

This position splits its time between two things: building and maintaining the internal web applications our team runs on every day and keeping the IT infrastructure behind them healthy. You will work alongside the developer who built our current systems, with room to take real ownership of both areas as you grow into the role.

We are open to on-the-job training. You do not need to have worked with every tool in our stack, but you should have solid fundamentals in core development concepts, SQL, networking, and containers, and the curiosity to pick up the rest quickly.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the internal web applications our employees use daily, working across a Python REST API and a TypeScript front end.
• Write and tune SQL queries against our ERP database and our own PostgreSQL schemas, and help keep internal reporting accurate.
• Package and deploy applications as Docker containers through our GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
• Handle day-to-day internal IT support: user accounts, workstations, printers, shop-floor terminals, and company mobile devices.
• Keep self-hosted services such as databases, caches, reverse proxies, and our internal wiki patched, backed up, and monitored.
• Troubleshoot issues reported across engineering, production, and the front office, and follow each one through to a resolution.
• Document what you build and what you fix in our internal wiki so the next person can follow it.
• Work with the team to replace manual, spreadsheet-driven processes with tools people actually want to use.

Requirements include:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 2+ years in a software development, IT support, or systems administration role.
• Working knowledge of SQL: writing queries with joins, filtering, and aggregates, and understanding how tables relate to one another.
• Solid networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, subnetting, VLANs, and basic firewall rules.
• Familiarity with Docker concepts: images versus containers, what a Dockerfile does, and how containers get networking and persistent storage.
• Comfort on the Linux command line and with Git for version control.
• The ability to read a log file or an error message and work a problem methodically rather than by guesswork.
• Clear written communication. You will document your own work and explain technical issues to coworkers who are not technical.

Preferred Qualifications

None of these are required. Each one shortens the ramp, and we are happy to train the rest.

• Experience with a Python web framework such as Flask, FastAPI, or Django, and with an ORM such as SQLAlchemy.
• Front-end experience with TypeScript, web components (Lit), and a modern build tool such as Vite.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, particularly GitLab CI.
• Experience running containers beyond a laptop: Docker Compose, container registries, and a reverse proxy such as nginx or Traefik.
• PostgreSQL administration, including backups, restores, upgrades, and basic query tuning.
• Exposure to an ERP or MRP system and its underlying database. We run Global Shop Solutions, but experience with any ERP translates well.
• Experience building or supporting a Progressive Web App.
• Windows Server and Active Directory administration, Group Policy, and Microsoft 365 or Entra ID administration.
• Experience with monitoring, alerting, or backup tooling.
• Experience supporting users in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, or CMMC requirements as they apply to IT systems.
• Networking coursework or certification such as CompTIA Network+ or CCNA.

Why Join Us:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• On-the-job training and a clear path to owning your areas outright
• Real influence over the tools the whole company uses every day
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Be part of a dynamic company driving innovation and customer success