Job Description: Competitive Range partners with the government to plan and deploy complex, IT-enabled, and mission-essential capabilities. Our goal is to help you develop and expand your professional capabilities while working on challenging, exciting projects in a collaborative, congenial environment. We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to design, modify, develop, and implement highly secure and scalable software applications for defense-related programs. This role requires extensive expertise in software development, system architecture, and technical leadership, ensuring mission-critical solutions for DoD operations. The ideal candidate will lead work teams, provide technical guidance, and contribute to complex engineering initiatives supporting national security. Key Responsibilities: + Design, develop, and implement software applications and operating systems for defense applications. + Modify and enhance existing software solutions to optimize security, functionality, and performance. + Lead software development teams, providing technical support, mentorship, and guidance to project members. + Write, review, and maintain efficient, high-quality, and well-documented code. + Demonstrate expertise in object-oriented programming, system architecture, and secure software development. + Conduct software testing, debugging, and validation to ensure operational readiness in defense environments. + Provide consultation on complex projects, solving critical technical challenges. + Ensure compliance with DoD security protocols, NIST standards, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) guidelines. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity specialists, system engineers, and DoD stakeholders. Required Qualifications: + Active Secret Clearance: TS preferred + Education: + Bachelor's Degree with 10 years of software engineering experience OR + Master's Degree or higher with 8 years of experience. + Experience: + 10 years of software development experience with a Bachelor's Degree OR + 8 years of experience with a Master's Degree or higher. + Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, or embedded systems development. + Strong expertise in software architecture, secure coding practices, and mission-critical software solutions. + Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance. + Extensive understanding of DoD systems, defense applications, and cybersecurity best practices. Preferred Qualifications: + Experience working with classified defense systems and DoD contracts. + Knowledge of cloud computing solutions for DoD applications (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government). + Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for secure development. + Certifications such as Security+, CISSP, or DoD-approved software development credentials.