Junior Software Developer with Security Clearance
The Junior Software Developer will support the development, modernization, and sustainment of mission-critical U.S. Air Force logistics IT systems by writing, testing, and maintaining software across diverse technology stacks. This role involves close collaboration with DevSecOps and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure, compliant code delivery through automated pipelines, while also producing technical documentation and participating in Agile team activities. The position requires adaptability to various programming languages and frameworks, a commitment to secure coding practices, and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances and certifications.
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.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Junior Software Developer with security clearance eligibility to support the development, modernization, and sustainment of Department of Defense logistics information systems. This is an entry- to early-career engineering role for a quick learner who wants long-term growth delivering mission-critical software alongside DevSecOps and cybersecurity teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, test, debug, and maintain software across assigned AFMC LogIT systems using the language and framework assigned to each system.
- Implement new features, defect fixes, and enhancements following approved requirements and coding standards.
- Perform unit testing and support integration, regression, and user acceptance testing.
- Participate in peer code reviews and act on feedback promptly.
- Analyze legacy and modern codebases to determine safe change approaches.
- Use Git and program-defined branching/merge workflows with good commit hygiene.
- Work with DevSecOps to package and promote code through automated CI/CD pipelines; troubleshoot build/pipeline failures and environment-specific issues.
- Support automated testing, static/dynamic analysis, dependency scanning, and quality gates integrated into delivery pipelines.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity to apply secure coding practices, remediate findings, and follow applicable DISA STIGs and DoD compliance requirements.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation and configuration management artifacts to keep delivered baselines accurate.
- Record work accurately in issue-tracking and work management tools and participate in Agile ceremonies (planning, stand-ups, demos, retrospectives).
Required Qualifications
- 0–4 years of software development experience, including internships, academic projects, military experience, or personal projects.
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one modern programming language (Java, C#, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, C++, PHP, etc.).
- Working knowledge of relational databases and basic SQL.
- Experience with version control (preferably Git) and standard pull/merge request workflows.
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle (requirements → design → implementation → testing → deployment → sustainment).
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to ask questions and learn from mentors.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification within 90 days of hire if not already held.
- Clear technical writing skills and the ability to follow documentation templates.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Secret security clearance.
- Active CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent) at hire.
- Prior experience supporting DoD, federal, or other regulated environments.
- Exposure to Air Force logistics, maintenance, supply chain, or sustainment processes.
- Experience with GitLab CI/CD or similar CI/CD tooling and troubleshooting pipeline configurations.
- Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes) and cloud environments (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, DoD PaaS).
- Familiarity with OWASP Top 10 and code-scanning tools (SonarQube, Fortify, Checkmarx, Dependency-Check).
- Exposure to RMF, STIGs, NIST SP 800-53, or other DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
- Experience with automated testing frameworks, TDD/BDD, and Agile tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, GitLab boards).
- Exposure to legacy sustainment technologies (Oracle PL/SQL, COBOL, PowerBuilder, ColdFusion, classic ASP.NET, mainframes).
Desired Technical Skills
- Languages: Java, C#/.NET, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, SQL; ability to learn additional languages as assigned.
- Databases: Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL — queries, stored procedures, schema basics.
- Version control: Git (branching strategies, merge request workflows).
- CI/CD: Automated build, test, scan, and deployment pipelines.
- Web & services: REST APIs, web fundamentals, basic front-end dev.
- Security: Secure coding, vulnerability remediation, secrets management fundamentals.
- Testing: Unit testing frameworks and automated test execution.
- Documentation: Technical writing and configuration management artifacts.
- Responsible use of approved AI-assisted development tools, with accountability for correctness, security, and licensing.
Clearance & Certification Requirements
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Secret clearance preferred; candidates without an active clearance must be eligible to obtain and maintain one.
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification required within 90 days of hire (if not already held).
- Ability to satisfy program-specific personnel security, training, and access requirements, including annual cyber awareness and CUI handling training.
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Trade, VA (onsite / program-determined access to government environments).
- Employment type: Full-time.
Compensation (Estimated)
- Estimated annual compensation (as shown in the source): $125,036 per year — actual pay will be determined by Confidential Client and may vary based on experience and location.
What We Value
- Integrity, accountability, and clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A growth mindset and willingness to learn new languages, frameworks, and legacy systems.
- Strong teamwork with DevSecOps, cybersecurity, testers, system administrators, and government stakeholders.
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.
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