Senior Software Engineer
About The Position
This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S. Raft is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans. In your role as a Software Engineer, you will lead the design and development of scalable, data-intensive backend systems that power Raft's flagship products. You'll help architect and implement robust solutions using Golang and/or Java while ensuring security, performance, and reliability across mission-critical applications. As a hands-on technical leader, you'll mentor junior and mid-level engineers while spending significant time writing code and solving complex technical challenges. You'll work closely with customers at deployment sites, gathering feedback and implementing improvements to enhance the real-world performance of Raft's products in operational environments. We are hiring multiple engineers at multiple levels.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3+ years of experience in backend software engineering with expertise in Golang and/or Java
- Proven experience building and scaling data-intensive systems and distributed architectures
- Deep understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices, including ICAM (Identity, Credential, and Access Management)
- Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including creating and managing Helm charts and Kubernetes operators
- Strong experience with cloud-native architectures and microservices design patterns
- Experience with data processing frameworks, streaming technologies, and high-throughput systems
- Knowledge of security best practices for enterprise and government systems
- Proven track record of mentoring and developing engineering talent
- Passion for staying current with emerging technologies and evaluating their potential impact
- Experience designing modular, extensible systems that enable technology evolution and component replacement based on user needs
- Proficiency with Agentic AI coding tools with understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and when to leverage them for accelerated development.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to architect solutions for complex technical challenges
- Strong communication skills with ability to work effectively with both technical teams and customers
- Fast learner, analytical thinker, creative, hands-on approach to technical leadership
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple technical priorities
- U.S. citizenship required for program eligibility.
- All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS SCI security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with highly regulated industries (defense, aerospace, finance, healthcare) or environments requiring stringent security and compliance standards
- Familiarity with classification levels and secure development practices
- Experience with edge computing and tactical deployment considerations
- Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure and data pipeline architectures
- Experience with container orchestration in air-gapped or disconnected environments
- Background in distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and real-time data processing
- Experience working directly with customers in operational environments
- Contributions to open-source projects or technical publications
- Preference for candidates with an active clearance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of scalable, data-intensive backend systems.
- Architect and implement robust solutions using Golang and/or Java.
- Ensure security, performance, and reliability across mission-critical applications.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
- Write code and solve complex technical challenges.
- Work closely with customers at deployment sites, gathering feedback and implementing improvements.
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary
- Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) and company match
- Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
- Education & training benefits
- Generous Referral Bonuses
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
