Director of Engineering

Location Hybrid in the DMV area with visits to our HQ office and clients' offices as needed. Active Secret clearance or above ideal or eligible to obtain clearance (U.S. Citizenship required) Minimal Travel ( Expression is seeking a Director of Engineering to join our team and Lead our Federal Services Unit. The Director of Engineering is responsible for defining and executing the organization’s engineering strategy in support of mission-driven outcomes. This role provides strategic, technical and operational leadership across engineering functions, ensuring delivery of scalable, secure, and innovative solutions to our federal clients and national security environments. Key Responsibilities Technical Strategy & Leadership Define and lead engineering roadmaps, ensuring seamless transition from contract award to execution while accelerating mission delivery and building customer trust Shape enterprise technology strategy and drive consistent engineering practices to influence future organizational capabilities Mentor engineers across the organization to foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement Stay ahead of emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage and mission effectiveness Architecture & Engineering Excellence Establish architectural governance frameworks to ensure compliance, security, and performance standards across programs Lead solution architecture design aligned to Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles Develop cloud-native and hybrid architectures across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Modernization & DevSecOps Drive modernization initiatives leveraging containers, microservices, APIs, and serverless technologies Champion DevSecOps practices, embedding security throughout the software development lifecycle Promote Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and CloudFormation Security & Compliance Define governance frameworks ensuring adherence to cybersecurity and regulatory requirements Ensure systems meet compliance standards required in government and national security environments Delivery & Client Engagement Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients, translating complex challenges into high-value solutions Lead pre-sales and post-sales technical engagements, communicating solution feasibility and value Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive long-term success and repeat business Collaboration Align engineering, sales, and operations teams to deliver integrated solutions Lead and scale high-performing engineering teams focused on execution excellence Mentor and develop engineering talent, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement Establish documentation and sustainment strategies to ensure long-term system reliability and maintainability Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline 15+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 7 years in engineering leadership roles Expertise in cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Strong experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes Deep knowledge of DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and secure software delivery practices Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code tools including Terraform, Ansible, and CloudFormation Experience with data engineering, including pipelines, data lakes, and analytics platforms Hands-on experience building generative AI solutions Experience delivering solutions within government or national security environments Proven success designing and deploying scalable, secure enterprise systems Experience in client-facing roles including pre-sales and delivery engagements Demonstrated leadership of cloud and system modernization initiatives Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field Relevant certifications such as PMP, Certified Scrum Professional, or cloud architect certifications Benefits Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as: 401k matching PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance Education reimbursement Complimentary life insurance Generous PTO and holiday leave Onsite office gym access Commuter Benefits Plan About Expression Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression’s “Perpetual Innovation” culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with our clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Expression Networks