Full Stack Software Engineer (SME)

Location: Chantilly, VASecurity Clearance: Active TS or higher [Required]Job Type: Full-TimeTarget Salary Range*: $150,000 - $175,000This represents the potential salary range for this position depending on education level, years of experience and/or certifications in addition to other position specific requirements which may impact salaryPosition OverviewThe Full Stack Software Engineer (SME) serves as the principal authority for full-stack architecture, application modernization, secure development practices, and enterprise technology integration.

This role leads the design, development, and optimization of scalable web applications across frontend, backend, middleware, data, and cloud technologies.The Full Stack Software Engineer (SME) combines strategic technical leadership with hands-on development to ensure applications are secure, high-performing, interoperable, and aligned with enterprise architecture standards, zero-trust principles, and complex cross-enclave requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesFull-Stack Architecture and DevelopmentLead the design, development, and optimization of scalable full-stack applications.Provide technical direction across frontend, backend, middleware, API, and database technologies.Establish and enforce software architecture and development standards across teams.Design applications for scalability, maintainability, interoperability, performance, and security.Lead application modernization and enterprise technology integration initiatives.Frontend, Backend, and Middleware EngineeringDevelop and support applications using Bootstrap and Django/Python.Design and maintain MySQL database integrations.Integrate Elasticsearch/OpenSearch and RabbitMQ into application architectures.Develop and support applications using React, Node.js, Python, Redis, and Elasticsearch/OpenSearch.Support open-source assembly line applications and minor upstream open-source development.Integrate reasoning components, retrieval systems, databases, and AI/GenAI services into application solutions.Cloud, Containers, and DevSecOpsSupport Kubernetes-based application environments.Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code using Terraform.Design and support GitLab CI/CD pipelines.Manage software artifacts and dependencies using JFrog Artifactory.Support application deployment and integration within AWS cloud environments.Apply secure development and DevSecOps practices throughout the software lifecycle.Database and Application PerformanceDesign and optimize relational and non-relational database solutions.Troubleshoot complex application, integration, and database issues.Optimize application and database performance.Support highly available and scalable application architectures.Security and Enterprise IntegrationApply zero-trust principles and secure enterprise application development practices.Support application interoperability across complex cross-enclave environments.Integrate applications with enterprise systems, APIs, databases, retrieval platforms, and AI/GenAI services.Ensure application architectures align with enterprise security and technology standards.Technical LeadershipServe as the subject matter expert for full-stack architecture and application engineering.Lead technical initiatives and provide architectural guidance across development teams.Establish development standards, best practices, and reusable engineering patterns.Provide hands-on technical leadership for complex application development and modernization efforts.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree. [Required] ExperienceMinimum 10 years of relevant experience. [Required]Extensive experience with modern frontend frameworks, backend technologies, APIs, and relational and non-relational databases. [Required]Strong experience with software architecture, system integration, and scalable application design. [Required]Experience with secure development practices, DevSecOps methodologies, and CI/CD pipelines. [Required]Expertise in database design, performance optimization, and application troubleshooting. [Required]Proven experience leading technical initiatives and establishing development standards across teams. [Required]SkillsStrong full-stack architecture and application development skills. [Required]Ability to provide strategic and hands-on technical leadership across complex application environments. [Required]Ability to design secure, scalable, and interoperable enterprise applications. [Required]Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.Experience supporting federal, defense, intelligence, or highly regulated environments.Knowledge of cloud-native architectures, containerization, and microservices platforms.Experience addressing cross-domain or cross-enclave interoperability challenges.Expertise in zero-trust architectures and secure enterprise application development.Relevant certifications in cloud technologies, software architecture, cybersecurity, or Agile development.