Senior Principal Software Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization.

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Software Developer who embodies technical excellence and craftsmanship in Software Defined Networking. We need someone who doesn't just write code, they architect elegant, performant solutions that stand the test of time. If you can spot the slop in poorly designed systems and have an innate drive to build SDN solutions that "just work forever," this role is for you.

Senior Software Developer - Software Defined Networking

About the Role:

As a Senior Software Developer specializing in Software Defined Networking, you will be responsible for designing and implementing mission-critical SDN infrastructure that demands reliability, performance, and maintainability. You will work with open-source SDN controllers, create infrastructure-as-code solutions, and establish engineering standards that elevate our entire development practice. This is not a role for those who chase trends; We want an industry leader who understands the nuances of network protocols, distributed systems, and the subtle art of writing code that remains stable and maintainable for years.

This onsite role is based at our National Business Park, Maryland location supporting the Neptune program.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop Software Defined Networking solutions using open-source controllers with deep attention to architectural integrity and long-term maintainability
• Implement Layer 2/3 network protocols, routing algorithms, and network management interfaces (e.g., YANG) with precision and performance optimization
• Create infrastructure-as-code solutions using Terraform, Ansible, and modern CI/CD pipelines that are reproducible and resilient
• Develop and integrate SDN applications with containerized architectures using Kubernetes, ensuring seamless orchestration across hybrid cloud environments
• Lead code reviews with a critical eye for quality, identifying architectural weaknesses, performance bottlenecks, and maintainability issues before they reach production
• Collaborate with network engineers and security teams to implement DevSecOps practices that don't compromise on either velocity or security
• Mentor junior developers on software craftsmanship, network protocol implementation, and the principles of building systems that endure
• Work with physical network processors and network debugging tools to troubleshoot and optimize at both application and packet levels

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field
• 8+ years of software development experience with demonstrable expertise in building production-grade network systems
• Deep proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and C/C++ with the ability to choose the right tool for each problem
• Expert-level understanding of network protocols: TCP/IP stack, Layer 2/3 protocols, DHCP/DHCPv6, RIP, ARP, with hands-on implementation experience
• Strong background in NETCONF/YANG, REST APIs, and network management interfaces
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable, performant code that other engineers respect and want to emulate
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible) and container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Proficiency with CI/CD workflows using GitLab, Jenkins, or similar platforms
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
• U.S. citizenship required

What Sets This Role Apart:

• This is not a position for engineers who prioritize speed over quality or follow the latest framework fad without understanding the fundamentals.
• We're looking for someone who: Understands the nuances: You know why certain design decisions matter five years down the line, not just today
• Spots the slop: You can review code and immediately identify technical debt, performance issues, and maintainability problems
• Builds to last: Your solutions are elegant, well-documented, and require minimal maintenance because they were designed correctly from the start
• Leads by example: Other developers look at your code and learn what excellence looks like

Security Clearance Required:

TS/SCI with polygraph (active)

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives. When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions. At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.