Staff Software Engineer (SWE) - SecOps

Arkenstone Defense; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Health and Wellness Programs

Retirement Planning

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Development

Job summary

Arkenstone Defense is seeking a Staff Software Engineer embedded in our Security Operations team to build internal tooling, automation, and integrations powering SecOps, compliance workflows, and enclave infrastructure. If you enjoy solving hard problems at the intersection of software craftsmanship and national security, this role was built for you.

You’ll design APIs, dashboards, and automation to support analysts, mentor junior engineers, and help drive secure coding practices across a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of software engineering, with at least 2 years in security/compliance-focused environments.
• Strong proficiency in Python, Go, and TypeScript/Node.js; REST API development experience.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred; AWS/GCP acceptable) and security tooling concepts.
• Familiarity with NIST 800-171, CMMC, or FedRAMP and secure coding practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain internal security tooling, automation scripts, and integrations across the security stack.
• Develop and own APIs, dashboards, and workflow automation for SecOps analysts and compliance functions.
• Collaborate with Security Operations to automate threat detection, alert triage, and incident response playbooks.
• Build and maintain integrations between security platforms (SIEM, SOAR, MDM, IAM) and internal systems.
• Mentor junior engineers on software design principles and automation best practices.

Skills

Python

Go

TypeScript/Node.js

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE or related field

Tools

REST APIs

Event-driven architectures

Internal tooling platforms

Job description

Overview

At Arkenstone Defense, we empower defense tech startups with the tools, infrastructure, and compliance solutions they need to become successful prime contractors. Our mission is to remove barriers and help innovators grow - from day one to becoming a trusted prime for the U.S. Government.

We're early, we're lean, and we're building something that actually matters. The people who do well here aren't waiting to be told what to do; they see a gap and fill it.

About Us

At Arkenstone Defense, we empower defense tech startups with the tools, infrastructure, and compliance solutions they need to become successful prime contractors. Our mission is to remove barriers and help innovators grow - from day one to becoming a trusted prime for the U.S. Government.

We're early, we're lean, and we're building something that actually matters. The people who do well here aren't waiting to be told what to do; they see a gap and fill it.

Overview

We are looking for an exceptional Staff Software Engineer embedded within our Security Operations department to bridge the gap between security requirements and scalable software solutions. This is not a typical product engineering role. You will be building the internal tooling, automation, and integrations that power our security operations, compliance workflows, and enclave infrastructure. If you enjoy solving hard problems at the intersection of software craftsmanship and national security, this role was built for you.

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and maintain internal security tooling, automation scripts, and integrations across our security stack.
• Develop and own APIs, dashboards, and workflow automation that support SecOps analysts and compliance functions.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Security Engineer and Security Operations team to automate threat detection, alert triage, and incident response playbooks.
• Build and maintain integrations between security platforms (e.g., SIEM, SOAR, MDM, IAM) and internal systems.
• Champion secure coding practices and serve as the technical authority on software quality within the SecOps department.
• Contribute to compliance documentation and evidence generation pipelines for CMMC, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-171 audits.
• Mentor junior engineers and analysts on software design principles and automation best practices.
• Participate in architecture reviews, threat modeling sessions, and security design discussions.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 7+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 2 years working in a security, compliance, or infrastructure-focused environment
• Strong proficiency in one or more languages: Python, Go, TypeScript/Node.js.
• Experience building and maintaining REST APIs, event-driven architectures, and internal tooling platforms.
• Familiarity with security tools and concepts: SIEM, SOAR, EDR, IAM, vulnerability management
• Experience working with cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred; AWS/GCP acceptable)
• Understanding of compliance frameworks such as NIST 800-171, CMMC, or FedRAMP
• Strong grasp of secure coding practices, code review, and software testing methodologies.

Who You Are

• The Security Builder: You don't just consume security tools — you extend and improve them. You're energized by the opportunity to make analysts faster and compliance more automated.
• Quality Over Speed: You write code that lasts. You push for clean interfaces, good documentation, and tests — even in a fast-moving environment.
• Security-Minded Developer: You treat security as a first-class requirement, not an afterthought. You're comfortable reading CVEs, threat models, and compliance controls.
• Cross-Functional Partner: You can work fluidly with security analysts, engineers, and compliance professionals, translating needs into reliable software.

Mission Alignment

We are a Defense-focused company supporting sensitive and cleared workforces. The Staff Software Engineer – Security Operations will embrace our commitment to operational excellence, compliance rigor, and a world-class employee experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• May require occasional travel to office locations or client sites
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form

Benefits for working with us!

We are committed to supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our robust benefits package is designed to promote your well-being, growth, and work-life balance

• Competitive Salary: Recognizing your hard work with attractive compensation and rewarding excellence.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Including medical, dental, & vision insurance options, along with mental health support & wellness initiatives.
• Retirement Planning: Secure your future with our flexible 401(k) plan and matching company contributions.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous PTO, sick leave, and holiday pay to help you recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential resources for personal and professional support.
• Professional Development: Access to training, certifications, and continuing education to foster your career growth.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.