Principal Software Engineer

This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.Who we are:Raft (is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in McLean, VA. Our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.We're looking for an experienced Principal Backend Engineerto support our customers and join our passionate team of high-impact problem solvers.About the role:In your role as a Principal Backend Engineer, you will lead the design and development of scalable, data-intensive backend systems that power Raft's flagship products. You'll help architect and implement robust solutions using Golang and/or Java while ensuring security, performance, and reliability across mission-critical applications. As a hands-on technical leader, you'll mentor junior and mid-level engineers while spending significant time writing code and solving complex technical challenges. You'll work closely with customers at deployment sites, gathering feedback and implementing improvements to enhance the real-world performance of Raft's products in operational environments.What we are looking for:8+ years of experience in backend software engineering with expertise in Golang and/or JavaProven experience building and scaling data-intensive systems and distributed architecturesDeep understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices, including ICAM (Identity, Credential, and Access Management)Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including creating and managing Helm charts and Kubernetes operatorsStrong experience with cloud-native architectures and microservices design patternsExperience with data processing frameworks, streaming technologies, and high-throughput systemsKnowledge of security best practices for enterprise and government systemsProven track record of mentoring and developing engineering talentPassion for staying current with emerging technologies and evaluating their potential impactExperience designing modular, extensible systems that enable technology evolution and component replacement based on user needsProficiency with Agentic AI coding tools (such as Claude Code) with understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and when to leverage them for accelerated development.Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to architect solutions for complex technical challengesStrong communication skills with ability to work effectively with both technical teams and customersFast learner, analytical thinker, creative, hands-on approach to technical leadershipAbility to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple technical prioritiesHighly preferred:Experience with highly regulated industries (defense, aerospace, finance, healthcare) or environments requiring stringent security and compliance standardsFamiliarity with classification levels and secure development practicesExperience with edge computing and tactical deployment considerationsKnowledge of AI/ML infrastructure and data pipeline architecturesExperience with container orchestration in air-gapped or disconnected environmentsBackground in distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and real-time data processingExperience working directly with customers in operational environmentsContributions to open-source projects or technical publicationsClearance Requirements:Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS SCI security clearance.Preference for candidates with an active clearance.Work Type:Hybrid with preference for candidates based inDC Metro Area or Hanscom AFB, MAForeign and domestic travel up to 30% to customer sites and deployment locationsWhat we will offer you:Highly competitive salaryFully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage401(k) and company matchTake as you need PTO + 11 paid holidaysEducation & training benefitsGenerous Referral BonusesAnd More!Our Vision Statement:We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession withthemission.Our Customer Obsession:We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.How do we get there?Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking,and collaboration is a norm.Raft's core philosophy isUbuntu: IAm, BecauseWe are. We support our"nadi"by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17