Sr. Software Engineer

We are looking for a TS/SCI cleared Software Engineer to support a long‑term DIA‑NDOC DOMEX Technology Platform (DTP) contract. The role involves working closely with Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Architects, and Operations team on a broad scope of activities ranging from system development to middle‑tier and backend engineering. Most work is performed on‑site at our client location in Bethesda, MD, with flexible remote options depending on client requirements.

The primary focus is building and maintaining scalable microservices that interface with Kafka for real‑time messaging and Elasticsearch for data indexing and search. You will deploy and monitor services in a Kubernetes environment, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and design reliable, observable, and secure systems. The client’s mission is to implement a data‑centric architecture leveraging cloud‑based computing, AI, machine learning, and cross‑domain transfer systems.

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Python microservices
• Implement message consumers and producers with Apache Kafka
• Integrate with Elasticsearch for real‑time and batch data indexing and querying
• Write unit and integration tests; ensure high code coverage and reliability
• Build CI/CD pipelines for your services and deploy them in Kubernetes clusters
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, and architecture planning
• Monitor and troubleshoot production issues with observability tools
• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing within the team
• Utilize software engineering and design methodologies appropriate to the development, integration, and production environment
• Foster an environment of collaboration with the different team members to provide quality service and product to customers

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6‑10 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 4‑8 years of prior relevant experience
• Must possess an Active Top Secret/SCI clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a Polygraph
• Proficiency in Python and related backend frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask)
• Experience with containerization, especially with Docker
• Experience in Extraction, Transformation, and Load (ETL)
• Hands‑on development experience in a Linux environment, including bash or similar scripting
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs and microservice architecture
• Hands‑on experience with Kubernetes: deploying, monitoring, and debugging services
• Understanding of common design patterns, security practices, and logging/monitoring principles
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative workflows (PRs, reviews)
• Experience with Dev Ops practices and tools including CI/CD tools, especially Git Lab or Jenkins
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with Agile practices
• Enthusiastic self‑starter who can work independently

• Experience with designing and implementing software development kits
• Familiarity with DGX (Deep GPU Xceleration)
• Active Security+ certification and ability to obtain Privileged User Account (PUA) certification by the Government
• Elasticsearch certifications or other program stack related certifications
• Experience with production/enterprise systems at scale
• Knowledge of distributed systems concepts (e.g., idempotency, eventual consistency)
• Familiarity with schema registries and Kafka streaming patterns
• Experience blending analytical methodologies and leveraging existing COTS/GOTS/OS tools in an unconventional manner
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS/C2S)
• Familiarity or experience with building applications around Large Language Models, Agentic AI

Pay Range: $ – $. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.