Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Clarity Innovations; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 345,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Innovations in Herndon, VA is seeking a dynamic software engineer who bridges strategic infrastructure design and hands-on development. You will work with Linux systems, manage VMs and containers, and help deploy container orchestration at mission scale.

You will collaborate with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers to turn prototypes into robust tools with reliable release cycles. A customer-focused mindset and clear communication are essential to make complex software

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Linux-based operating systems and utilities.
• Strong knowledge of code management and release processes.
• Experience collaborating with researchers and engineers to deliver tools.

Responsibilities

• Bridge strategic infrastructure design with hands-on development tasks.
• Evaluate project requirements and select appropriate tools and languages.
• Engineer synchronization workflows for distributed environments.
• Collaborate with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers to mature prototypes into robust tools.
• Communicate clearly with non-technical teammates and stakeholders.

Skills

Linux

CI/CD

Automation testing

Collaboration

Vulnerability research liaison

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

GitLab

Jira

Confluence

Kubernetes

Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, highly adaptable software engineer who thrives in complex environments, seamlessly bridging the gap between strategic infrastructure design and hands-on development. With deep expertise spanning Linux operating systems, version control administration, and the strategic deployment of virtual machines and container orchestration, this engineer expertly tailors technical solutions to the mission at hand. They are adept at evaluating project requirements to choose the right tools for the job - whether deciding between compiled and scripted languages, breaking down complex features into actionable tasks, or engineering ingenious synchronization workflows for disconnected.

Beyond their technical acumen, this candidate is a collaborative force multiplier deeply committed to mission success. They actively look forward to partnering with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers, expertly taking prototypes and refining them into robust, rigorously tested tools with a reliable release cycle. Driven by a customer-centric mindset and transparent communication, this engineer is capable of making complex software practices accessible to non-technical peers. They bring a wealth of practical, real-world experience - ready to share their journey through technical "story-time" -and are eager to channel their problem-solving expertise into tangible, impactful results for the team and the broader mission.

• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience.
• Works to achieve operational objectives with a major impact on the job area and/or departmental results.
• Responsible for improving processes, systems, or work methods to enhance the performance of the function.
• Influences stakeholders within and outside the immediate work area regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
• Provides guidance, coaching, or training to other professionals within the job area.
• Requires advanced knowledge of the job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Contract Specific Qualifications

• Very experienced and skilled with Linux-based operating systems and utilities
• Very experienced with virtual machines, containers, and container orchestration tools
• Very experienced with code management, feature planning, task tracking, and knowledge collection (e.g., GitLab, Jira, Confluence)
• Focused on automating testing, packaging, and releasing to production
• Great communicator and mentor for younger and/or non-SWE coworkers
• Relentless focus on what the customer asks for and a track record of meeting the customer's needs
• Comfortable setting up and maintaining virtual machine and network environments to stage, test, and vet releases

Salary Range: $113,000 - $345,000

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.