Principal Software Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support a federal government program in Woodlawn, MD. In this hands-on technical lead role, you will design and develop enterprise-grade software applications, drive architectural decisions, and mentor junior and mid-level developers. You will work at the intersection of modern frontend and backend technologies, cloud platforms, and enterprise integration.

Note: The final interview will be conducted in person on-site. Candidates unwilling to attend an in-person final interview will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop software applications following Twelve-Factor App methodology from functional requirements
• Build innovative UI components using AngularJS, ReactJS, Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and jQuery; implement ES13+ features including classes, arrow functions, and modules
• Design and develop microservices using Spring Boot, Java, and RESTful architecture
• Develop and maintain Enterprise Java Batch applications (JSR 352) with Control-M scheduling
• Build and secure SOAP-based web services using JAX-WS, Apache Axis, and WSDL; implement WS-Security via IBM DataPower
• Develop Data Access Layer (DAO) components interfacing with IBM DB2 9.0 and PostgreSQL on z/OS and Linux using JPA/Spring Data/ORM
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices using Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket, OpenShift, and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud Platform)
• Create BDD test frameworks (Cucumber, Gherkin); develop unit tests using JUnit, Mockito, and PowerMock
• Ensure all web components meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d)
• Document solution architecture using Visio, Confluence, and UML-based design artifacts
• Serve as hands-on technical lead; guide and mentor junior and mid-level developers
• Participate in all customer technical design and development meetings; provide viable technical solutions

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or Doctorate may substitute for experience)
• 10+ years of hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, Angular, and React
• Extensive design and programming skills in Java and JEE technologies
• Experience as a hands-on technical lead on enterprise projects
• Experience in Agile environments with strong knowledge of Agile terminology and tools (including Agility)

Required Skills:

• Experience designing high-throughput, low-latency, and scalable systems with large volumes of concurrent requests
• Proficiency in Single-Page Application (SPA) architecture and responsive, cross-browser compliant web development
• Experience designing and deploying cloud-native applications on AWS with PostgreSQL
• Deep knowledge of PaaS offerings including Red Hat OpenShift and Docker
• Experience with CI/CD tools: Jenkins, Git/Bitbucket, Jira, Nexus, Maven, SonarQube, Fortify, and UrbanCode Deploy
• Hands-on experience with Web Services technologies: XML, JAXP, JAXB, JAX-WS, AXIS, JERSEY, JSON, CXF, REST, SOAP; security: LTPA, OAuth2/JWT
• Experience with JEE technologies: Struts, Spring Framework (IoC, MVC, Transactions, Security, Batch), Spring Boot, Spring JDBC, JPA, Hibernate, DB2, Tomcat, WebSphere
• Experience with automated unit testing (JUnit, mocking frameworks), TDD, and BDD (Cucumber)
• Experience with static code analysis via SonarQube; remediating technical debt including bugs, vulnerabilities, and hotspots
• Knowledge of web application security vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies
• Performance tuning experience for CPU/memory utilization, response time, and high-volume cloud-based applications

Nice to Have:

• Experience designing Kafka-based event-driven architectures: producers, consumers, topics, partitions, consumer groups, Kafka Connect, and Kafka Streams
• Familiarity with AI/ML trends and ability to apply AI-driven solutions to enhance or redesign existing system architectures
• Experience implementing Section 508 accessibility standards for web applications
• Exposure to writing technical white papers and systems design documentation
• Prior experience on federal or state government IT projects
• Experience with low-code platforms such as ServiceNow, Pega, or MS Power Platform

Clearance: Public Trust (must be obtainable and maintainable)