Technical Software Application Lead (TANTUS)

Sikich•Bethesda, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Application Development Technical Lead will report directly to the Project Manager and serve as a lead developer supporting an application portfolio consisting of Custom Web Based Applications. The developers will be primarily focused on completing the modernization of custom-built applications, moving from legacy ColdFusion to .NET /Java. This resource will likely be leading a team of 5 developers to support both O&M and Software redesign tasks. The role requires both technical and functional capabilities to provide guidance as a Lead developer to all team members. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in software application development projects for operations and maintenance, development, modernization, and enhancement using JIRA-like tools, leading Scrum Sessions, and working within an Agile environment. The Technical Lead will work with other leads to manage overall Java, ColdFusion, and Livelink/Open Text project tasks. Common skills and understanding of Oracle Database, Java Stack, ColdFusion, .NET, Azure platform, web-based, and cloud-based applications are expected. The Technical Lead must be responsive and customer-service oriented. The two Technical Leads will complement each other to manage the overall Java, ColdFusion, and Livelink/Open Text project tasks. Understanding and experience of analytical tools like QlikSense is an added plus.

Requirements

Deep, hands-on expertise in modern Java-based technologies and frameworks, including Java 11/17+, Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Security, Hibernate, and RESTful and GraphQL API development.
Experience with microservices architecture, containerization platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipeline management using tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps.
Proficiency with relational and NoSQL database platforms, including Oracle, SQL Server, and MongoDB.
Working knowledge of front-end technologies such as Angular, React, or Vue.js.
Demonstrated experience with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and agentic AI frameworks, such as LangChain, LangGraph, or similar orchestration tools.
Familiarity with large language model (LLM) integration, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, and AI-assisted software development practices.
Experience applying AI capabilities within federal or government IT environments to automate workflows, enhance decision support, and modernize legacy systems.
5+ years of hands-on experience leading and being the senior-most Software application programmer leading a team of at least 5 technical programmers designing and developing enterprise applications.
Experience leading technical teams in Agile environments.
Hands-on experience building large, scalable applications using .NET, SharePoint, and Power Platforms.
Experience with Agile methodologies (e.g., SAFe, Scrum).
Hands-on expertise in . ASP.NET, .NET Core software applications, and applications using SharePoint and Power Apps.
Strong experience in designing and developing enterprise applications using the Microsoft Entity Framework.
Experience developing and implementing / maintaining Azure cloud-based applications.
Experience migrating ColdFusion to .NET / Java.
Minimum Qualifications: 5+ years of relevant experience as a Team Lead/Senior Programmer / Engineer OR 10 years of IT-related professional experience, including 5+ years of relevant experience as a Team Lead/Senior Programmer / Engineer.
Values driven – Embody and model absolute integrity and servant leadership, with a bias for action and continuous innovation.
Uncompromising problem solver – See opportunities in every business challenge and can develop, articulate and implement solutions.
Collaboration – Relationship builder across all levels of the organization and across all business units.
Instills trust – Do what you say, without ego, and follow through on commitments consistently and credibly.
Impact & influence – Relentlessly focused on making a difference and can gain support for ideas, proposals and solutions. Get others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives and objectives.

Nice To Haves

Understanding and Experience of analytical tools like QlikSense.
Relevant certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) or AI/ML technologies.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead developer responsible for supporting the Information Resources Management Branch (IRMB) application portfolio.
Drive the modernization of the NIDA Extramural Project System (NEPS).
Oversee operations and maintenance (O&M) activities across the broader application portfolio.
Lead a team of approximately five (5) developers, providing technical direction, code review oversight, and architectural guidance.
Ensure delivery milestones and quality standards are consistently met.
Serve as the primary escalation point for all technical issues.
Work in close coordination with the Project Manager and the COR to align development priorities with mission objectives.
Lead Scrum Sessions and work within an Agile environment.
Manage project tasks using JIRA-like tools.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options
HSA employer contribution
Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
Robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster children
401(k) with employer contributions
Tuition reimbursement
Generous employee referral bonus program
Client referral bonus program
Pet insurance
FORCE – Tantus, a Sikich Subsidiary community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer
Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
Wellness program
Flexible work arrangements