Sr. Software Developer (5600) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Meade, MD)

Socket.dev; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SMX is seeking a Senior Software Developer to design secure REST and message-based interfaces for DIA mission systems. You will build, test, and maintain microservices and data ingestion pipelines, while ensuring DISA STIG compliance.

In this onsite Fort Meade role, you will mentor engineers, conduct code reviews, and optimize backend systems for high availability in secure environments.

Qualifications

• Backend languages and asynchronous computing architectures are required.
• Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ, Kafka) and data ingestion workflows.
• Knowledge of DoD/DIA cyber standards and PKI/mTLS authentication.

Responsibilities

• Establish standardized, secure REST and message-based interfaces across DIA systems and external feeds.
• Implement automated unit, integration, and security testing within DevSecOps pipelines to maintain DISA STIGs.
• Monitor performance and implement telemetry to resolve backend bottlenecks.
• Mentor junior engineers and perform peer code reviews to ensure quality.
• Design, build, and test applications to support AMI and SENTINEL environments.
• Architect and optimize backend microservices and secure data pipelines connecting platforms.

Skills

Python

Go

Java

C++

RabbitMQ

Apache Kafka

SQL

Elasticsearch

OpenSearch

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS GovCloud

PKI/mTLS

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related quantitative discipline

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS GovCloud/C2S

Job description

SMX is seeking a Senior Software Developer to design secure REST and message‑based interfaces, develop mission applications, and architect microservices and data‑ingestion pipelines supporting DIA and 1st IC environments. The developer will also implement automated DevSecOps testing, maintain DISA STIG compliance, monitor system performance, and provide technical mentorship and peer code reviews to uphold engineering standards.

This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Meade, MD.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish standardized, secure REST and message-based interfaces across DIA mission systems, Control Access Programs (CAP), and external intelligence feeds
• Implement automated unit, integration, and security testing within DevSecOps deployment pipelines to maintain DISA STIG compliance
• Monitor system performance, implement structured telemetry logging and resolve backend service bottlenecks to maintain high availability
• Provide technical mentorship to junior/mid-level engineering staff and conduct rigorous peer code reviews to maintain code quality standards
• Designs, build, and test computer applications and systems to solve user needs with AMI and SENTINEL
• Architect, build, and optimize backend microservices, secure data ingestion pipelines, and enterprise middleware connecting ACIC platforms, PRESS data stores, and DIA analytical environments.
• Duty Locations: ACIC (Fort George G. Meade, MD) Security Clearance: TS/SCI (Polygraph eligible / must submit if requested)
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline
• Experience Required: 6 to 8+ years of professional backend software development experience, with at least 3 years focused on distributed microservices architectures, data ingestion pipelines, and enterprise systems integration

Required Skills, Experience & Education

• Advanced command of backend programming languages (e.g. Python, Go, Java, or C++) and asynchronous computing architectures Extensive experience with message broker systems (e.g. RabbitMQ, Apache Kafka) and high-throughput data extraction, transformation, and ingestion workflows
• Strong proficiency in advanced database querying, schema optimization, and distributed search indexing (e.g.SQL, Elasticsearch, OpenSearch)
• Hands-on experience containerizing applications and managing deployments in secure cloud or hybrid environments (e.g.Docker, Kubernetes, AWS GovCloud/C2S)
• Deep understanding of DoD and DIA cybersecurity standards, PKI/mTLS authentication, and secure inter-service communication

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$160,000 — $200,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).