Senior Software Engineer - TS/SCI
The Senior Software Engineer role at Confidential Client involves designing, developing, and maintaining Python-based microservices within a secure, mission-critical environment requiring TS/SCI clearance. The engineer will work on scalable backend systems integrating Kafka and Elasticsearch, deploying in Kubernetes clusters, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support advanced data-centric architectures leveraging AI and machine learning. This position offers a hybrid work schedule primarily on-site in Bethesda, MD, with occasional remote work based on client needs.
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, Airlines and Aviation; IT Services and IT Consulting; Security and Investigations.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential client is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Active TS/SCI) to design, build, and operate backend microservices that power a mission-focused data platform. You will work with cross-functional teams to implement scalable, secure, observable services using Python, Kafka, Elasticsearch, and Kubernetes. Most work is performed on-site in Bethesda, MD; occasional remote work may be available based on client requirements.
What You’ll Do
- Design, develop, test, and maintain Python-based microservices and APIs.
- Implement Kafka producers and consumers for real-time messaging.
- Integrate services with Elasticsearch for indexing and search (real-time and batch).
- Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automate deployments to Kubernetes clusters.
- Write unit and integration tests to ensure reliability and high code coverage.
- Participate in design reviews, architecture planning, and code reviews.
- Monitor production systems and troubleshoot issues using observability tools.
- Produce technical documentation and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Apply secure design patterns and follow logging/monitoring best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus 8+ years relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus 6+ years. Equivalent experience considered.
- Active Top Secret / SCI clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph.
- Strong proficiency in Python and backend frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask).
- Practical experience with containerization (Docker).
- Experience with ETL processes and data pipelines.
- Hands-on Linux development and shell scripting (bash or similar).
- Solid understanding of RESTful APIs and microservice architectures.
- Hands-on Kubernetes experience (deploying, monitoring, debugging).
- Familiarity with Git workflows (PRs, code reviews).
- Experience with CI/CD tools and DevOps practices (GitLab, Jenkins, or similar).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; experience with Agile methodologies.
- Self-starter who works well both independently and in teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing and implementing SDKs or developer-facing libraries.
- Familiarity with DGX (Deep GPU Xceleration) systems.
- Security+ certification and ability to obtain Privileged User Account (PUA) certification when required.
- Elasticsearch certifications or equivalent experience.
- Experience operating production-scale enterprise systems.
- Understanding of distributed systems concepts (idempotency, eventual consistency).
- Familiarity with schema registries and Kafka streaming patterns.
- Experience leveraging COTS/GOTS/OSS tools in innovative ways.
- Experience with AWS (including C2S) and cloud-native patterns.
- Familiarity with building applications around Large Language Models or agent-style AI.
Location & Clearance
- Worksite: Bethesda, MD (on-site most of the time; some remote work may be permitted per client rules).
- Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI required; must be able to obtain/maintain polygraph as required.
Why Join
- Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, data-centric mission that leverages AI/ML and cross-domain transfer systems.
- Work with experienced engineers and architects on a technically challenging government program.
- Professional development and collaboration in a mission-driven environment.
Notes on Employment
Careertakes acts as a third-party recruiting platform for this opening. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client (the confidential client). This posting complies with applicable U.S. hiring laws. We do not disclose employer-identifying information here; further employer details will be shared during the hiring process.
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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