Software Developer - Level V

Role Description

The Full Stack Developer will support mission-critical USDA FPAC/NRCS systems focused on compliance, governance, modernization, and sustainment. This role operates within a DevSecOps environment and requires strong experience across application development, operations & maintenance (O&M), and modernization of legacy systems.

• Contribute to secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions while ensuring alignment with federal standards, audit readiness, and enterprise architecture.
• Support increased workload demands driven by AWS code remediation, mandated environment consolidation, legislative changes, accelerated Integrated Field Tools (IFT) modernization, and cloud optimization initiatives.
• Ensure system stability, compliance, cost control, and timely delivery of mandated functionality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Must have experience supporting USDA, NRCS, or other federal geospatial programs.
• 5+ years of experience in full stack development using modern frameworks (e.g., .NET / .NET Core, Java, Angular, React).
• Experience building scalable APIs and microservices.
• Experience with AI-assisted code analysis tools.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL) and modern data access patterns.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).
• Understanding of DevSecOps practices, including automated testing, secure coding, and code quality tools (e.g., SonarQube).
• Must have or be able to obtain a USDA Public Trust Security Clearance.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Weather and Climate Information Systems (WCIS), including data flows, telemetry, and external data integrations.
• Demonstrated ability to support large-scale modernization efforts such as IFT/Landmark initiatives.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53, Section 508 accessibility and Zero Trust architecture.
• Experience with geospatial systems (GIS).
• Knowledge of Databricks or enterprise data lake architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy full stack applications using modern frameworks and secure coding practices.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FPAC, and NRCS standards, including security, privacy, and Section 508 accessibility.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for all development, deployment, and operational activities, including AI-assisted documentation where applicable.
• Participate in Agile processes, including backlog refinement, sprint planning, and ticket management in Jira.
• Triage, troubleshoot, and resolve production defects, incidents, and service requests in alignment with SLAs.
• Perform preventive, corrective, adaptive, and perfective maintenance, including remediation of AWS migration-related code issues and reduction of technical debt.
• Support environment consolidation and configuration management activities, including alignment of legacy code across environments.
• Design, develop, and deliver enhancements to support congressionally mandated functionality within compressed timelines.
• Contribute to Integrated Field Tools (IFT) and WCIS modernization efforts, including cross-system integrations, workflow updates, and test case development.
• Build, maintain, and optimize CI/CD pipelines and support secure, auditable release management processes.
• Monitor system performance and execute AWS cloud optimization activities, including right-sizing, containerization, and cost reduction efforts.
• Implement and maintain APIs, integrations, and enterprise data access patterns while remediating security vulnerabilities in accordance with federal standards.

Work Location and Schedule

• Remote work is approved. Contractor personnel must have access to the internet and Government network and be available to federal PMs, COs, CORs, and TPOCs during core hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST).
• Normal duty hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
• After-hours and weekend work may be required to support production releases.
• Travel within fifty (50) miles of the Contractor’s facilities may be required with COR approval.

Security Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a USDA security background investigation (FBI fingerprint check and eQIP).
• Must comply with all NIST, USDA, and HSPD–12 security training and reporting requirements.
• Must complete mandatory training: Information Security Awareness (annually) and Section 508 (within 45 days of assignment).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits packages including paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K plan, tuition/training reimbursement, and Long & Short-Term Disability.