Senior Software Engineer
About The Position
Skyward is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support CMS modernization efforts by reducing manual work, improving data accuracy, and enhancing transparency through scalable, AI-enabled enterprise systems. The role focuses on designing, building, and scaling full-stack applications with modern backend frameworks such as Python/FastAPI and frontend technologies such as React. The engineer will architect RESTful APIs and microservices that support intelligent features using NLP and large language models, and collaborate with Human-Centered Design experts to deliver intuitive, responsive, accessible user experiences. The position also leads backend development focused on performance, observability, reliability, and clean architecture; improves CI/CD pipelines, testing, code quality, and secure cloud deployments; and contributes to technical roadmaps and engineering practices. The engineer will work with product, customer experience, data science, and DevOps teams to align technical delivery with mission outcomes. Skyward describes itself as a people-centered, collaborative civic technology business. The role supports modernization of services provided by one of the nation's largest healthcare agencies. Employment is contingent on acceptable background investigation results, and applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 10 or more years of progressive software engineering experience building and scaling production-grade applications.
- Strong backend expertise in Python and modern API frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, or Django.
- Frontend experience with React or comparable modern JavaScript frameworks and component-driven development.
- Experience designing RESTful APIs and working in microservices architectures.
- Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines such as Jenkins, automated testing frameworks, and secure code deployment practices.
- Familiarity with AWS cloud environments and cloud-native development patterns.
- Experience integrating or supporting AI/ML capabilities such as NLP, LLMs, or chatbots.
- Strong understanding of software design principles, clean architecture, and secure coding practices.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Proactive approach to identifying and acting on opportunities for improvement.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
- Acceptable results from a background investigation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience building or supporting AI-powered enterprise applications in regulated environments, such as federal or healthcare.
- Familiarity with MLOps workflows or integrating model APIs into production systems.
- Experience modernizing legacy enterprise systems into scalable cloud-native architectures.
- Knowledge of ethical AI considerations and regulatory requirements.
- Previous experience supporting CMS or other HHS agencies.
Responsibilities
- Support CMS modernization efforts through scalable, AI-enabled enterprise systems that reduce manual effort, improve data accuracy, and enhance transparency.
- Design, build, and scale full-stack applications using modern backend frameworks and dynamic frontend technologies.
- Architect and implement RESTful APIs and microservices that power intelligent features leveraging NLP and large language models.
- Collaborate with Human-Centered Design experts to deliver intuitive, responsive, and accessible user experiences.
- Lead backend development focused on performance optimization, observability, reliability, and clean architecture.
- Build and enhance CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, code quality enforcement, and secure deployments in cloud-native environments.
- Troubleshoot complex system issues, debug test failures, improve test coverage, and promote engineering quality.
- Identify automation opportunities that reduce operational burdens for users and stakeholders.
- Contribute to architectural decisions, technical roadmaps, and engineering best practices.
- Partner with product, customer experience, data science, and DevOps teams to align technical implementation with mission outcomes.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 15 days of paid leave.
- 7 days of sick leave.
- 2 days of bereavement leave.
- 11 paid federal holidays.
- Up to 40 hours for jury duty.
- 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution and no vesting period.
- Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave.
- Company-provided laptop.
- $5,000 per year for professional development.
- $600 per year for technical supplies and equipment.
- $2,000 referral bonus.
- Life and disability insurance.
- HSA and FSA.
- Legal Shield and ID Shield voluntary benefits.
- Flexible working hours and remote opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
