Principal Cloud Software Engineer Defense Systems

Heven AeroTech•Sterling, VA

7h•$150,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Heven AeroTech, we build more than hydrogen-powered drone systems—we build teams that solve meaningful, real-world problems. Our culture is grounded in trust, accountability, and a shared drive for excellence. We look for people who are hungry, humble, and smart: those who take initiative, continuously improve, collaborate without ego, and apply sound judgment in complex environments. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported. We’re seeking an experienced Cloud Software Engineer to help build the scalable, secure cloud backbone powering our AI-enabled drone platforms. This role sits at the intersection of cloud infrastructure, data engineering, and applied AI—supporting everything from edge-deployed flight systems to enterprise applications and internal tooling.

Requirements

10+ years of cloud software engineering experience (6+ supporting defense, intelligence, or government programs)
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
Proficiency in Python, Java, C++, Go, or Rust (multi-language experience preferred)
Experience deploying full-stack and data solutions in cloud environments (GCP strongly preferred)
Expertise in containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, K3s, etc.)
Strong understanding of secure software development and DoD cybersecurity frameworks
Experience with ITAR-controlled or export-regulated programs
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (active preferred)
A hungry mindset: you take ownership, push for better solutions, and thrive in fast-moving environments
A humble approach: you collaborate effectively, value team success, and remain open to learning
A smart perspective: you combine technical depth with strong judgment and communication

Nice To Haves

Experience with UAS, autonomous systems, or aerospace
Background in DoD rapid acquisition, OTAs, or SBIR programs
MLOps experience and deploying ML models at the edge
Experience with air-gapped CI/CD environments
Advanced degree in a related field
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Database Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Developer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer Certification
Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer Certification
Google Cloud SecOps Technical Credential
Google Cloud Maps Technical Fundamentals Credential

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional engineering teams through the full software development lifecycle, driving technical execution, mentoring engineers, coordinating priorities, and ensuring delivery of secure, mission-aligned solutions
Design and implement cloud data infrastructure (BigQuery, GCS, or equivalent), including schema design, governance, and pipeline automation
Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines, including for resource-constrained or air-gapped environments
Develop and integrate AI/ML pipelines (e.g., Vertex AI, MLflow) and data versioning systems
Write clean, maintainable, well-documented code and contribute to code reviews and engineering best practices
Develop software aligned with DoD security requirements (RMF, STIG, SSDLC practices)
Support ATO processes and implement required security controls
Ensure compliance with ITAR and export control regulations
Participate in security reviews, vulnerability assessments, and testing
Operate effectively in classified or restricted environments as needed
Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests
Support HIL/SIL testing and troubleshoot complex system issues across lab and field environments
Partner with AI, hardware, autonomy, and systems teams to define and deliver solutions
Contribute to architecture decisions and technical roadmap planning
Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence
Engage with government stakeholders to translate mission needs into technical solutions
Support proposal efforts and technical solution design