Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer

Novul Solutions•Arlington, VA

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Tech Lead – Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership, architectural direction, and software engineering expertise in support of mission-critical Department of Defense (DoD) systems. The role calls for a hands-on technical leader with full-stack development, Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, and enterprise architecture experience. The position leads multiple engineering teams to deliver secure, scalable software in a high-security environment. The role includes defining technical strategy and architecture, leading full-stack engineering and integrations, building and improving DevSecOps pipelines, and translating mission requirements and product backlogs into delivery plans and production-ready releases. It also oversees release quality and deployments, mentors engineering teams, integrates security throughout the software development lifecycle, collaborates with stakeholders and leadership, and promotes continuous improvement and responsible adoption of generative AI technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant software engineering experience; additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Proven experience leading multiple engineering teams and delivering complex enterprise software systems.
Strong hands-on experience with Java full-stack development, JavaScript, Python, APIs, web services, and enterprise software integration.
Extensive knowledge of Agile software development, full SDLC processes, DevSecOps, automated testing, and CI/CD implementation.
Experience designing, developing, and maintaining automated DevOps pipelines using Git, Jenkins, Bitbucket, Artifactory, Ansible, or equivalent technologies.
Experience with GitLab, GitHub, Gradle, PowerShell, YAML, Terraform, Oracle 19c, and SQL-based databases.
Strong understanding of software architecture, release management, configuration management, and production deployment processes.
Experience managing Agile project delivery, sprint planning, and development activities using Jira or equivalent tools.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, resolve complex engineering challenges, and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
Experience operating within high-tempo, classified DoD environments with strict security and mission requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience supporting DISA or other DoD mission partners.
Experience designing, developing, and deploying secure cloud-based applications, preferably within Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Responsibilities

Define technical strategy, lead architectural decisions, establish engineering standards, and oversee secure, scalable, maintainable software solutions.
Lead full-stack development, secure API integration, structured and unstructured data pipelines, and enterprise application modernization.
Design, implement, and optimize automated build, testing, deployment, and release pipelines.
Translate mission requirements and prioritized product backlogs into technical delivery plans, sprint goals, and production-ready software releases.
Oversee software version control, automated testing, configuration management, and deployments across development, Test, QA, and Production environments.
Lead and develop senior engineers and technical teams, provide technical guidance, support professional development, and promote engineering best practices.
Integrate security controls, automated testing, monitoring, and DevSecOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle in accordance with DoD security requirements.
Partner with product owners, stakeholders, and senior leadership to align technical roadmaps, communicate delivery risks, and drive mission-focused engineering outcomes.
Improve engineering efficiency, system reliability, and delivery performance through Agile metrics, Jira, automation, and responsible adoption of generative AI technologies.

Benefits

Ten paid days off and five floating days off.
Eleven paid holidays; flex time can be utilized instead of holiday time usage.
401(k) plan with a guaranteed 3% match; eligibility begins at age 21 after three months of employment.
Quarterly individual or company-wide performance and recognition awards.
United Healthcare PPO with extensive national coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and HSA.
Health benefits eligibility begins on the first of the month immediately after the start date.
Tuition and training reimbursement to support career development.
$150 monthly reimbursement contribution toward parking expenses.
Project-based performance bonus.
Yearly company-based bonus.