Senior Enterprise Software Engineer

Are you eager to architect and deliver robust, scalable, and secure software systems that enable real operational decisions for warfighters?

Are you excited to directly impact the nation’s most challenging defense problems?

Are you passionate about large, mission-critical systems that are using cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps practices, and Agile development?

The Mission Engineering Group at JHU/APL of the Force Projection Sector is seeking a Senior Enterprise Software Engineer to help lead the technical vision, architecture, and implementation of mission-centered software capabilities that advance augmented human decision making.

About Us

The Mission Engineering Group develops enterprise-grade, distributed software and decision-support tools that enable warfighters to harness a wide-ranging set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense.

We emphasize engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the software development lifecycle while promoting a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

As a Senior Enterprise Software Engineer within the Mission Engineering Group , you will…

• Provide technical leadership of an APL team especially focused on software development and deployment activities for capabilities critical to our nation’s security.

• Lead the architecture and design of complex, mission-critical software systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Implement and evolve modern engineering practices including Agile methods, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code.
• Design and develop interoperable, modular, and adaptable software components for enterprise and operational environments.
• Build and integrate software using C++, Java, and/or Python, leveraging tools such as Docker and Kubernetes, where appropriate.
• Take ownership of end-to-end delivery of key capabilities, from concept and prototype through integration, deployment, and sustainment.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, project managers, mission stakeholders, and partner organizations to translate mission and user needs into actionable software solutions.
• Promote rigorous engineering discipline, including code review, technical documentation, and adherence to quality and security standards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and technical debt, and drive continuous refactoring and improvement of existing systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting a culture of learning, curiosity, and excellence within Agile teams.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps and strategy, aligning software solutions with mission objectives, enterprise standards, and sponsor requirements.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience successfully delivering complex or enterprise-scale software systems in operational or near-operational environments.
• Are proficient in C++ and comfortable working in large, multi-module or multi-service codebases.
• Have practical experience with at least one of the following: Python or MATLAB for algorithm development, analytics, modeling, or prototyping.
• Develop primarily in a Linux/Unix environment, using command-line tools, scripting, and automated build/deployment processes.
• Have hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, or private cloud) and understand how to design and operate cloud-hosted services securely and reliably.
• Are familiar with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes (or similar technologies).
• Have practical experience with DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and security scanning integrated into the development workflow.
• Have meaningful experience working within Agile software development processes (e.g., Scrum or Kanban) and collaborating on cross-functional teams.
• Communicate clearly in written and verbal forms and can explain complex technical concepts to wide-ranging audiences.
• Are a self-starter who can lead technical workstreams independently while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, mission-focused team.
• Are willing and able to periodically travel to and work at military facilities as required by project needs.
• Are familiar with design patterns such as Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectures.

• Have expertise in Version Control (VC) branching models and configuration management techniques.

• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Hold a master’s or doctorate degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics or a related technical field.
• Have led large or multi-team software efforts, providing architectural direction and coordinating integration across multiple components or services.
• Have designed and operated cloud-native systems (e.g., microservices, containerized workloads, Kubernetes-based deployments) with strong reliability and observability practices.
• Are experienced with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools) and can help shape and improve our engineering ecosystem.
• Have built rich, mission-focused user experiences or visualization-heavy applications (e.g., using modern JavaScript frameworks such as React or Angular).
• Have experience applying Agile at scale (e.g., multi-team Scrum, SAFe, or similar frameworks) in complex or multi-organization environments.
• Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments, as well as Government sponsors and contractors.
• Are recognized as a technical authority and collaborative leader, and are motivated to influence technical strategy, engineering culture, and best practices across the Mission Engineering Group.
• Are proficient in Java.
• Have experience applying some or all of the following software technologies and data formats: Message Brokers, Databases (relational and no-SQL), Load Balancers, Reverse Proxies, Rest Interfaces, JSON, XML, and common variants of those formats (GeoJSON, KML, UCI, etc.).
• Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance.

#LI-AG1

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at  .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact  View email address on apply.j-vers.com .

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.