Web Developer - SWE 0

Cornerstone Defense LLC; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC seeks an entry-level Web Developer for its team at Fort Meade, Maryland. The role focuses on developing and supporting web-based services deployed in AWS.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and seven years of relevant software engineering experience. The position emphasizes mentorship and hands-on learning within a collaborative environment.

The role involves implementing features, troubleshooting applications, and utilizing various programming languages.

Qualifications

• Seven years experience as a Software Engineer (SWE) required.
• Compliance with DOD 8570.01 with IAM Level I certification required.
• Four years additional experience can substitute for a degree.

Responsibilities

• Implement well-defined features and bug fixes.
• Learn the team’s codebase and contribute to the platform.
• Assist with maintaining and troubleshooting web applications.

Skills

PHP

C#

Java

Node.js

Python

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

Vue.js

React

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Linux

Relational databases

Web servers (Nginx, Apache, Tomcat)

AWS

Job description

Title: Web Developer

Location: Fort Meade, Maryland

Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Pay Range: 125 -140K

Company Overview

Cornerstone Defense, in partnership with our military, intelligence, and civil government customers, supports U.S. operations worldwide through the use of satellite, launch, and cyber technologies. Cornerstone’s Cyber Sector develops and supports solutions for computer network operations, including exploitation, defense, signals intelligence, and information technology missions. Supported organizations include the National Security Agency, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and several commercial entities.

You will join a small, hardworking development team building and supporting enterprise web-based services deployed in AWS. This is an entry-level role with close mentorship, clearly scoped tasks, and an emphasis on learning good engineering habits.

Requirements

Seven (7) years experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree. Compliance with DOD 8570.01 with a minimum certification of IAM Level I. (CAP, GSLC, Security +)

Responsibilities

• Implement well-defined features and bug fixes with guidance (tickets, acceptance criteria, and code review support).
• Learn the team’s codebase, development workflow, and deployment process while contributing to an enterprise web services platform.
• Assist with maintaining and troubleshooting web applications in AWS (monitoring basic health, reviewing logs, and escalating issues when needed).

Required skills

• Professional work, academic, or personal-project experience (samples will be required for academic and personal projects) with one or more of the following:
  • PHP
  • Net C#
  • Java
  • Node.js
  • Python
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Vue.js
  • React
• Comfort working in Linux environments (basic command line, files, permissions), or willingness to learn quickly.

Desired skills

• Exposure to relational databases (MariaDB, MS SQL, MySQL, or Oracle) and basic SQL concepts.
• Exposure to web servers/app servers such as Nginx, Apache, and/or Tomcat.
• Interest in troubleshooting and debugging (ability to reproduce issues, read logs, and ask good questions).
• Ability to work on a team, accepting feedback, and communicating status clearly.
• Self-motivated learner who can follow documentation and complete assigned tasks with support.
• Professional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong desire to learn and grow as a software engineer through mentorship and code reviews.
• Exposure to AWS or Azure concepts (e.g., compute, storage, networking) is a plus.
• Exposure to scripting (PowerShell and/or Python) is helpful.
• Interest in working in an Agile environment (standups, sprint planning, retrospectives).