Software Engineer (DEA) - Java Developer & Pega Integration

Expression Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Education reimbursement

Life insurance

PTO + holidays

Onsite gym

Commuter benefits

Cold brew coffee

Job summary

Expression seeks a DevOps Engineer to support the DEA ICDE modernization effort in Arlington, onsite at DEA Headquarters. You'll build, deploy, and maintain Java-based applications and integrate with Pega workflows, collaborating with developers, QA, and product stakeholders.

This role requires Top Secret/SI clearance, 2+ years of DevOps or software engineering, strong CI/CD, Git, and cloud/container tech (Docker/Kubernetes).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM fields and 2+ years of professional experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in software development, DevSecOps, or related technical discipline.
• Strong proficiency in Java development, including production-ready applications.
• Experience with Pega or integrating Java applications with Pega-based workflows, services, or APIs.
• Ability to develop high-quality, scalable, maintainable code using established software engineering practices.
• Familiarity with Git and modern version-control workflows (branching, PRs, code reviews).
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines, automated builds, deployment practices, and Agile methodologies.
• Understanding of software testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and defect-resolution practices.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional technical teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to operate in environments with stringent security, privacy, auditing, and reliability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Java-based applications, delivering scalable, maintainable code.
• Translate user requirements into effective technical solutions for DEA's case-management ecosystem.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Pega developers, QA, DevOps, and product owners.
• Support Agile development activities, CI/CD, and regular sprint cycles.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and optimize applications to improve reliability and performance.
• Participate in peer code reviews and uphold coding standards and best practices.
• Support build, integration, release, and deployment across environments.
• Work with QA to validate functionality and resolve defects.
• Utilize monitoring and observability tools to identify performance issues and bottlenecks.
• Support integrations and APIs for interoperability with Pega and other systems.
• Contribute to secure software development practices per federal cybersecurity requirements.

Skills

Java development

Pega integration

Git workflows

CI/CD

Agile development

Testing & debugging

REST/SOAP APIs

Docker/Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Security/compliance mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM fields

Tools

Pega PRPC or related

Job description

Expression is seeking a DevOps Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing DEA's case management capabilities and creating a centralized, secure, scalable ecosystem supporting law enforcement, investigative, forensic, and intelligence missions.

The DevOps Engineer will support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and maintenance of Java-based applications within this mission-critical environment. The engineer will collaborate with software developers, Pega developers, QA engineers, DevOps personnel, and product stakeholders to deliver secure, maintainable, and high-performing capabilities.

Clearance:

Top Secret (SCI) required.

Location:

Arlington, VA. The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Java-based applications, delivering high-quality, scalable, and maintainable code.
• Analyze user, business, and system requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions supporting DEA's investigative case-management ecosystem.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Pega developers, QA engineers, DevOps personnel, product owners, and other technical stakeholders, to deliver scalable and high-performing software features.
• Support Agile development activities, including iterative sprint execution, continuous integration and deployment, demonstrations, reviews, and incorporation of stakeholder feedback. The SOO establishes Agile development and regular sprint cycles as part of the program's delivery approach.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and optimize applications to improve system reliability, availability, performance, and maintainability.
• Participate in peer code reviews and contribute to coding standards, development best practices, and technical and architectural discussions.
• Support application build, integration, release, and deployment activities across development, testing, and production environments.
• Work closely with QA teams to validate functionality, reproduce reported issues, resolve defects, and support rigorous functionality, security, reliability, and interoperability testing.
• Utilize application monitoring, logging, and related observability tools to identify system performance issues, failures, and bottlenecks.
• Support CI/CD pipelines, automated builds, testing, configuration management, and repeatable software deployment processes.
• Assist with application integrations and APIs supporting interoperability with Pega and other enterprise or federal systems.
• Contribute to secure software-development and deployment practices consistent with the program's federal cybersecurity requirements, including FISMA, NIST, FedRAMP High, CJIS, continuous monitoring, and Zero Trust principles.
• Support technical documentation, configuration documentation, run instructions, change logs, and other software lifecycle artifacts as required by the program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree on STEM fields and 2+ years of professional experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in software development, DevSecOps, application engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Strong proficiency in Java development, including experience building production-ready applications.
• Experience with Pega or integrating Java applications with Pega-based workflows, services, or APIs.
• Ability to develop high-quality, scalable, maintainable code using established software engineering practices.
• Familiarity with Git and modern version-control workflows, including branching, pull requests, code review, and collaborative development.
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines, automated builds, software deployment practices, and Agile development methodologies.
• Understanding of software testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and defect-resolution practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional technical teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to support work in an environment with stringent security, privacy, auditing, and system-reliability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Pega PRPC (Pega Rules Process Commander).
• Knowledge of Pega BPM concepts, including case management, rule sets, and workflow design.
• Hands‑on experience integrating Pega applications using REST or SOAP APIs.
• Pega certifications such as Certified System Architect (CSA) or Certified Senior System Architect (CSSA).
• Experience working in enterprise-level application development environments.
• Exposure to DevOps/DevSecOps practices and automated software delivery.
• Experience or exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Experience with containerized environments and technologies such such as Docker or Kubernetes.
• Exposure to application monitoring, centralized logging, automated testing, or continuous‑monitoring solutions.
• Experience supporting Federal Government applications or environments with formal cybersecurity and compliance requirements.

Benefits:

Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:

• 401k matching
• PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
• Education reimbursement up to $10,000/yr
• Complimentary life insurance
• Generous PTO and 11 days of holiday leave
• Onsite gym facility
• Commuter Benefits Plan
• In-office Cold Brew Coffee

About Expression:

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, AI/ML, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression’s culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with our clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.

We make sure to provide everyone with the tools and opportunities to grow while working on some of the newest technologies in the industry. We get excited about celebrating our professionals' milestones, accomplishments, promotions, overcoming challenges, and many other aspects that make an engaging collaborative environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please submit your request to our Human Resources department through the application portal.