Software Engineer (Principal/Expert) - TS/SCI with Polygraph Required

Catalyst Operations & Analytics; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Operations & Analytics is seeking Principal/Expert Software Engineers to provide technical leadership across design, architecture, and delivery of complex software systems. You will own major technical decisions, evaluate cross-system trade-offs, and set engineering direction across Agile teams.

You will mentor engineers, present solutions to customers, and drive sound engineering practices throughout the program. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 12+ years of relevant professional software engineering experience (Master's degree plus 10+ years also acceptable).
• Expert-level proficiency in one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C/C++, JavaScript).
• Extensive experience across the full software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Demonstrated experience leading Agile/Scrum development teams.

Responsibilities

• Mentor Senior, Mid-Level, and Junior engineers.
• Own major technical decisions and set engineering direction across teams.
• Represent technical solutions to customers and senior stakeholders.

Skills

Java

Python

C/C++

JavaScript

SDLC

Agile/Scrum

Version control

Linux/Windows

DevOps/CI-CD

Test automation

Software architecture

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Position Summary

Principal/Expert Software Engineers provide technical leadership across the design, architecture, and delivery of the most complex, mission-critical software systems in support of the customer's requirements. Principal/Expert Software Engineers own major technical decisions, evaluate cross-system design trade-offs, and set engineering direction across Agile development teams. Principal/Expert Software Engineers are expected to mentor Senior, Mid-Level, and Junior engineers, represent technical solutions directly to the customer, and drive the adoption of sound engineering practices across the program.

Requirements

US Citizenship and TS/SCI with Polygraph (no exceptions)

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant professional software engineering experience (Master's degree and 10+ years also acceptable); additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C/C++, JavaScript)
• Extensive experience across the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements analysis, architecture, design, coding, integration, testing, and deployment
• Demonstrated experience leading Agile/Scrum development teams
• Experience with version control and configuration management tools
• Deep experience developing on Windows and/or Linux operating systems
• Extensive experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and test automation
• Demonstrated ability to define software architecture and resolve complex, ambiguous technical problems
• Excellent critical thinking, technical writing, and oral communication skills, including the ability to present and defend technical solutions to customers and senior stakeholders
• Principal/Expert positions set technical direction for the program and mentor Senior, Mid-Level, and Junior engineers