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, Software Development.

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 a Principal Backend Software Engineer (Hybrid) to support a priority program based in Annapolis, MD. This full-time role focuses on designing, implementing, testing, and documenting backend software components in an Agile environment. The position allows up to 16 hours of telework per week, dependent on tasking.

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What You’ll Do

• Build and test backend software components in an Agile development environment.
• Design, implement, and maintain high-quality code using Java, C++, and/or Python.
• Develop, review, and maintain software and technical documentation.
• Create and execute test procedures for software components and support verification activities.
• Use Git for source control and collaborate through Jira and Confluence.
• Work with relational databases (Postgres) and write efficient SQL.
• Deploy and manage services on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Ensure quality control and maintainable code through testing and code review practices.
• Support cross-functional teams to integrate backend systems and resolve defects.

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Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required.
• Education / experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus 20 years of software engineering experience on projects with similar software processes; or
  • 24 years of total software engineering experience on projects with similar software processes if no qualifying bachelor’s degree is held.
• Proficiency in one or more backend languages: Java, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with Git and version control workflows.
• Practical experience with relational databases such as Postgres and strong SQL skills.
• Experience working with AWS services and cloud-based deployments.
• Experience in Agile software development and using Jira and Confluence.
• Experience developing and executing software test procedures and maintaining technical documentation.
• Strong emphasis on software quality, maintainability, and documentation.

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Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Prior work on government, defense, or high-security programs.
• Deep experience with backend performance tuning, observability, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience mentoring other engineers and leading technical design reviews.

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Location & Work Arrangement

• Job location: Annapolis, MD (hybrid). Up to 16 hours of telework per week depending on tasking and program needs.
• Applicants must be eligible to hold and maintain the required security clearance (TS/SCI w/ Polygraph).

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Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $220,000–$224,000 (annual).
• Benefits highlights (examples):
  • 100% paid employee healthcare premiums (CareFirst Advantage).
  • Prescription concierge service.
  • Generous PTO and 11 paid federal holidays.
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting: 10% contribution, 6% match, up to 4% profit-sharing.
  • Annual bonus eligibility, spot bonuses, tuition reimbursement, 529 plan, and college loan payback.
  • Referral bonuses.

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Notes about This Posting

• Confidential Client is the hiring organization for this role. Company names from the source posting have been replaced with “Confidential Client.”
• This role requires an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph — do not apply unless you hold or can maintain this clearance.
• Careertakes may surface additional matched opportunities to applicants.

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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.