Full Stack Software Engineer, Strategic Systems

Are you motivated by directly contributing to our nation’s strategic deterrence capabilities by solving complex technical challenges at scale?

Do you enjoy building software and designing streamlined workflows that enable small teams to have an outsized mission impact?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a dynamic, technically curious, and results-oriented software engineer to develop and deploy high-quality, resilient, and scalable software solutions that meet and exceed end user needs. The Software Engineering and Data Transformation Group (KBE), within the Strategic Deterrence Mission Area of the Force Projection Sector, supports the data architecture, collection, processing, and distribution required to evaluate Strategic Weapon Systems. Our team works across the full software engineering lifecycle in complex security and operational environments, partnering with a variety of sponsors. We value collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement as we solve challenging, mission-driven problems.

As a Full Stack Software Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be designing and developing new software, while building and maintaining existing software.
• You will participate in multiple aspects of the software development life cycle, from working with users to gather and refine requirements and feedback, to deploying software at customer sites.
• You will participate in reviews of software design, implementation, documentation, and testing to ensure high-quality products.
• You will prepare and execute software deployments, both at APL and with customers at installation sites, ensuring successful and high-quality results.
• You will work closely with other developers, system engineers, technical leads, end users (data processors and analysts), and sponsors to understand the system needs and develop solutions to meet them.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or another relevant degree.
• Have 5+ years of relevant experience developing in programming languages such as C#, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, C++, and/or Java.
• Have front-end and back-end web development experience.
• Have experience designing and integrating with web APIs that support secure, scalable communication between front-end applications and backend services.
• Possess a solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals (computer science principles, algorithms, data structures, etc.).
• Are interested in leading software development efforts and providing technical mentorship.
• Have experience with design and integration of software with relational databases and/or NoSQL databases.
• Have experience in using modern software development and project management tools (e.g. GitLab, Jira, VS Code).
• Are able and willing to work as part of a team, coupled with a drive to demonstrate your own strengths and capabilities.
• Use software engineering best practices throughout the development lifecycle.
• See the value in testing and validation, and willing to learn different testing methodologies and procedures.
• Possess strong debugging, investigative, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Have a desire to learn and explore new technologies with an eye toward applying the same to innovative solutions.
• Are willing and able to travel within the US (not likely to exceed a few trips per year with no more than five days in duration for each).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
•  

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's or higher degree in Computer Science, or other field with relevant professional experience.
• Have experience developing software using Microsoft technologies (e.g., ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, SQL Server).
• Have developed multi-tier software architectures capable of operating at different scales and security classification levels.
• Have led software development teams and provided mentorship to technical staff.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance, or higher.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.