Software Engineer Level 2 with Security Clearance
The Software Engineer Level 2 at Confidential Client is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex software systems including analytics, algorithms, and real-time applications. The role requires independent and team-based work to design, debug, test, and document software solutions while leading development teams and ensuring adherence to performance and process standards. This position demands expertise in Go, Python, Terraform, AWS tooling, and an active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph.
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, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The Confidential Client is seeking a Software Engineer (Level 2) to design, build, and maintain robust software for large-scale, processing-intensive systems used in defense and space manufacturing programs. You will work independently and as part of cross-functional teams to deliver production-quality software, improve performance, and support integration and deployment.
- Analyze user and system requirements to define software design and performance targets
- Design, implement, and modify software systems and components to add features or improve performance
- Debug and resolve defects; perform root-cause analysis and corrective action
- Integrate software into new or existing systems and operating environments
- Implement and optimize algorithms for real-time or high-throughput processing
- Develop and execute unit and integration tests; support CI/CD and deployment activities
- Write and maintain software/system documentation and technical design artifacts
- Develop complex database/repository interfaces and data queries
- Coordinate installations and validate system operational performance
- Lead and mentor development teams as appropriate for project scale and process
- Recommend process and documentation improvements to increase quality and efficiency
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (required)
- Fourteen (14) years of professional Software Engineering experience in programs/contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university — OR applicable experience per the listed equivalencies (see Education/Experience Equivalency below)
- Demonstrated experience with Go, Python, Terraform, and AWS tooling
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
- Experience developing and testing algorithms and performance-sensitive systems
Education / experience equivalency (acceptable in lieu of degree):
- High School Diploma/GED with 18 years of relevant experience
- Associate’s Degree with 18 years of relevant experience
- Bachelor’s Degree with 14 years of relevant experience
- Master’s Degree with 14 years of relevant experience
- PhD with 14 years of relevant experience
Preferred Skills
- Proven experience with cloud-native architectures and AWS services (CI/CD, monitoring, IAM, S3, ECS/EKS, Lambda, etc.)
- Infrastructure-as-code using Terraform
- Strong software engineering practices: unit testing, integration testing, code reviews, and automated pipelines
- Experience working on defense- or intelligence-focused software projects
- Ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers
Role Details
- Employment type: Full-time
- Location: Glen Burnie, MD (onsite/near-site as required by program)
- Clearance requirement: Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (must be maintained)
- Note: Candidates must meet all program security and suitability requirements
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Benefits (summary):
- Competitive fixed salary or hourly pay (based on experience and role)
- Potential employee referral bonuses and additional performance-based bonuses (role-dependent)
- Health: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision premium options for employees and eligible dependents (plan options vary by location)
- Income protection: Company-paid short-term and long-term disability; AD&D; life insurance (coverage limits apply)
- Retirement: 401(k) with immediate vesting; company match and non-elective contribution (program dependent)
- Leave: Flexible PTO (up to 20 days typical), paid floating holidays
- Work-life: Flexible schedules possible depending on contract/project
(Details subject to program/contract and eligibility; final offer will specify exact compensation and benefits.)
How We Hire
Careertakes supports this search as a third-party recruiting platform. Our client makes final hiring decisions. Candidates can expect a process that may include technical screening, coding or architecture assessments, security and background checks, and interviews with engineering and program leads.
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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