Principal Software Engineer

This is not just another engineering role. This is where leadership meets code. Where soft skills matter just as much as system design.

The Opportunity

We’re building something that hasn’t been done before: a modern, scalable, cloud-native simulation platform to power next-generation wargaming and real-time analytics for national defense. The technology is sophisticated. The mission is urgent. The bar is high.

We already have strong engineering teams, but we need you, a Principal Software Engineer, who can do more than code. We need someone who can see the whole board, not just the next move. Someone who is not timid. Someone who leads with clarity, listens with intent, and rallies others into action.

This role is for the engineer who thrives in complexity, asks the hard questions, and is not afraid to say, “Let’s fix this, and here’s how.”

What You’ll Do

You won’t just be writing services or fixing bugs, although you may need to roll up your sleeves and do that too. Your impact will be felt across the entire program. You will help engineering leads break through design bottlenecks, coach teams through decision-making under pressure, and shape the future of a platform built to scale across the globe.

You will lead design conversations that span multiple teams. You will help others grow, even when the feedback is difficult. You will speak up when something is broken, even when it is uncomfortable. And most importantly, you will move the mission forward with urgency, ownership, and a high bar for quality.

Your Superpowers

• Presence. You do not shrink in the face of ambiguity, pressure, or competing priorities. You step in, take charge, and communicate with confidence.
• Empathy. You mentor not by micromanaging, but by asking smart questions, offering honest feedback, and knowing when to listen.

• Drive. You do not wait to be told what is wrong. You dig in, pull threads, and bring clarity to chaos.
• Craft. You bring deep technical expertise but also know when to simplify, delegate, and focus on what matters most.
• Adaptability. You are comfortable moving between code, architecture, team dynamics, and customer intent -often all in the same day.

What We’re Building

• A distributed microservices system running in Kubernetes
• A platform engineered for scale, speed, and extensibility
• A collaborative environment made up of teams working on everything from simulation engines to analytics to frontend user experience
• A modern tech stack including Python, TypeScript, Go, Java, C#, MongoDB, Helm, and more
• Your role is to make the system better by making the people better through design leadership, mentorship, and sound technical judgment.

Required Skills and Experience

• 12 or more years of software engineering experience with increasing levels of technical responsibility
• Experience mentoring engineers and guiding cross-team technical decisions
• Strong fundamentals in system design, algorithms, and scalable architecture
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Bonus Points

• Experience in Kubernetes-based microservices environments
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, C# .NET, Java, TypeScript, Go, MongoDB, Helm
• Familiarity with ICAM (such as OAuth2, JWT, Keycloak, OpenID)
• Exposure to DoD software security practices or working in a classified environment
• Background in DevSecOps or infrastructure-as-code

Why You?

Because You Know How to Navigate Complexity

On this program, we’re working at the edge of what’s possible (multi-domain, multi-level, multi-user simulations in real time). That’s a lot of “multi.” You see that and get energized, not overwhelmed. You know how to decompose hard problems and lead others through them.

Because You’re Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

There are days when documentation is thin, requirements shift, and the fastest way to understand a system is to go look at the code. You’re fine with that. This program is an evolving platform with bold goals. You don’t wait for a perfect plan -you help make one.

Because You Balance Vision and Velocity

You think in systems, not just code. You’re not afraid to move fast, but you also understand when the right answer is “slow down and get this part right.” This program is built for scale and staying power, and we need a PE who can build for both.

Because You Get the Mission

This tool isn’t a SaaS dashboard or a data lake in the cloud. It’s software that supports decision-making at the highest levels of national defense. You want your work to matter, and you know how to deliver technical excellence in service of something bigger than yourself.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled