Software Engineer
The Software Engineer at Confidential Client develops and maintains robust backend systems supporting real-time global situational awareness and battle management for DoD and Intelligence Community missions. The role involves designing scalable, high-performance software using technologies like Java, Kubernetes, and AWS, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver mission-critical solutions with real-world impact. Engineers are expected to uphold technical excellence, secure coding practices, and contribute to continuous improvement in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
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, Technology, Information and Internet.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Backend-focused Software Engineer to join a mission-driven engineering team building large-scale, real-time situational awareness and analytics systems. This full-time, entry-level role is based in Charlottesville, VA and blends backend engineering, cloud deployment, and high-throughput data processing.
Salary range: $68,770 - $116,193 (annual)
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client builds and operates backend systems that process massive, multi-source data streams and deliver real-time insights for operational users. As a Backend Software Engineer you will:
- Design, implement, and own backend services and APIs from design through deployment
- Develop and maintain enterprise Java backend applications; mentor and follow strong engineering practices
- Integrate multi-source data and optimize systems for throughput, latency, and reliability
- Implement secure coding practices and contribute to system reliability, observability, and compliance
- Support deployments across cloud (AWS) and customer environments; work with containerization and orchestration tools
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and automated testing
- Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and documentation for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborate with UI/UX engineers, data scientists, mission engineers, and product owners to translate requirements into maintainable solutions
- Troubleshoot and sustain deployed capabilities to meet evolving operational needs
What We’re Looking For (Required)
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field — or equivalent experience
- Strong software development fundamentals and the ability to apply programming and analysis concepts
- Experience with one or more programming languages such as Java, Scala, Python, or Go
- Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes)
- Knowledge of AWS and cloud-native architectures
- Understanding of CI/CD tooling and pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI/CD, ArgoCD, Jenkins, CircleCI)
- Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance (required)
- Willingness to work extended hours as needed for deployments and mission support
Desired Skills & Experience
- Experience with streaming and messaging systems (Kafka) and data flow tools (NiFi)
- Familiarity with high-throughput, distributed architectures and geospatial data systems
- Background working with backend services for command-and-control, geospatial visualization, or analytics
- Prior experience in defense, DoD, or Intelligence Community environments (helpful but not required)
- Strong focus on observability, performance tuning, and secure coding practices
Why Join
- Work on systems that have real-world impact and support mission-critical operations
- Collaborative engineering culture that values technical excellence and idea meritocracy
- Opportunity to learn modern backend tech (Java/Scala, Kubernetes, Kafka, AWS) at scale
- Competitive salary and benefits through Confidential Client
Employment Details
- Employment type: Full-time
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Location: Charlottesville, VA (on-site / client-specified)
- Salary range: $68,770 - $116,193 per year
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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