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.

As a Principal Software Developer
, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining, guiding, and validating software solutions for large-scale, mission-critical systems. You will lead technical planning, architecture decisions, and system integration efforts across programs while influencing engineering best practices and long-term technical direction. This role demands deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead teams.

This role requires deep hands-on expertise and the ability to collaborate closely with systems engineers, testers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality software in structured or regulated environments.

• Lead technical planning and execution for complex software systems and subsystems
• Define and validate high-level and detailed software requirements across programs
• Architect and guide software solutions aligned with mission, operational, and enterprise needs
• Oversee and direct test planning and execution, including:
  • Use case development
  • Test strategy, procedures, and test data
  • System-level validation and verification
• Lead software systems integration across platforms and environments
• Provide senior-level technical oversight across the full software lifecycle, including:
  • Concept design
  • Development and integration
  • Installation and deployment
  • Operations, sustainment, and modernization
  • Retirement and disposal
• Conduct and guide technical trade studies and architectural decision analysis
• Resolve the most complex software integration and performance challenges
• Mentor senior and mid-level developers and guide technical teams
• Ensure software solutions balance performance, security, schedule, and cost constraints
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to program leadership and stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree with 18+ years of related experience, or Master’s degree with 16+ years, or PhD with 15+ years
• Expert-level experience in software architecture, development, systems integration and AWS tools
• Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and guide engineering teams
• Extensive experience in requirements definition, system design, and validation
• Strong background supporting large-scale or mission-critical software systems
• Ability to influence technical direction across programs or organizations

• Technical leadership experience on DoD, federal, or classified programs
• Deep familiarity with systems engineering methodologies and lifecycle processes
• Experience defining engineering standards, best practices, or reference architectures
• Formal mentorship or team leadership responsibilities
• Experience supporting highly regulated or high-assurance environments

• Active Top Secret with ability to obtain and maintain SCI

• Onsite in Colorado Springs, CO
• May require up to 15% travel

• $165,000 - $210,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:
We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

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…