About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Role overview

Confidential Client is seeking an Application Developer (Entry Level through SME) with an active TS/SCI clearance and polygraph for a position based in Arlington, VA. This role supports mission-driven IT work across the software lifecycle — from coding and testing to architecture and production support — and is open at multiple experience levels (Entry, Junior, Mid, Senior, SME). Hybrid work is acceptable.

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Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary by experience level; core responsibilities include:

• Entry / Junior

  • Write and maintain clean source code using languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java.
  • Assist with unit and integration testing and basic debugging.
  • Create basic prototypes and maintain technical documentation.
  • Support users with routine fixes and work closely with senior developers and UX designers.

• Mid

  • Design and implement scalable code, APIs, and system integrations.
  • Analyze user needs and produce technical design specifications and prototypes.
  • Develop and execute test plans; investigate and resolve complex application issues.
  • Produce comprehensive system documentation and provide user support.

• Senior / SME

  • Architect robust, secure, and scalable software solutions and database schemas.
  • Lead development efforts, conduct code reviews, and enforce coding/security standards.
  • Design and maintain complex API integrations and cloud-native services.
  • Mentor teams, resolve high-severity production incidents, and translate business needs into technical solutions.
  • Set enterprise standards for coding, security, and change management.

All levels will be expected to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and follow best practices in SDLC, version control, and security.

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Required qualifications

All applicants must hold an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Experience / education guidelines by level (examples):

• Entry

  • HS/GED + 4 years relevant experience; or Associate + 2 years; or Bachelor’s degree (0 years).
  • Foundational programming, basic SQL/database knowledge, version control familiarity.
  • Strong communication and analytical skills.

• Junior

  • HS/GED + 6 years; or Associate + 4 years; or Bachelor’s + 2 years; or Master’s (0 years).
  • Proficiency in one or more languages (Java, Python, C#, JavaScript).
  • Basic database, testing, and version control skills.

• Mid

  • HS/GED + 8 years; or Associate + 6 years; or Bachelor’s + 4 years; or Master’s + 2 years.
  • Proficiency in modern languages, RESTful APIs, cloud deployment (AWS/Azure), and SDLC.

• Senior / SME

  • HS/GED + 10+ years (varies by degree) up to PhD paths.
  • Mastery of web frameworks, DevOps/CI-CD, cloud-native architectures, and security best practices.
  • Strong leadership, technical judgment, and ability to communicate with non-technical stakeholders.

Note: These are guideline ranges that map education to experience requirements for different seniority bands. The active TS/SCI with polygraph is mandatory.

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Location & work model

• Primary location: Arlington, VA (hybrid work model acceptable).
• Employment type: Full time.

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Compensation & benefits

• Salary range (U.S. estimate): $89,600 — $204,000 (range reflects varying seniority, skills, and experience).
• Benefits (eligible employees): competitive compensation, comprehensive insurance options, 401(k) matching, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition assistance, and wellness programs.

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What we value

• Security-minded engineering and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborative attitude and clear written/verbal communication.
• Continuous learning and adaptability in fast-paced mission environments.
• Accountability, ownership, and inclusive teamwork.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.