Python Jobs in La Plata, MD (NOW HIRING)

Make a difference for national security by joining a team of dedicated IT professionals who will sustain, modernize and transform the enterprise IT capabilities of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).  The Air Force Space and Intel Business Group of SAIC is seeking a Senior Python Engineer to support a transformational infrastructure program for DCSA.

SAIC is proud to be supporting DCSA in safeguarding our nation's information.  DCSA is the designated oversight authority on the accreditation of classified facilities, information systems, and the insider threat program.  This involves security oversight of more than 10,000 companies and approximately 13,000 facilities involved in classified work throughout the DoD and 31 Federal agencies.

Specifically, on the DCSA One IT program, SAIC will provide an enterprise IT solution that delivers highly secured and adaptable IT infrastructure, provides customer support, an cutting-edge technologies that support operations and advance the DCSA mission under a single IT environment (i.e., One IT). 

This position is on-site in Quantico, VA.  

Job Description

Develop, test, and maintain Python applications and services for the Gatekeeper system. 
Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code that aligns with project specifications and industry best practices. 
Implement new features and functionalities based on requirements and feedback from stakeholders. 
Ensure that all Python code and applications adhere to security best practices and compliance requirements. 
Conduct code reviews and participate in security audits to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities. 
Assist in the development and enforcement of security policies and procedures related to the Gatekeeper system. 
Work closely with other developers, cybersecurity experts, and project managers to deliver high-quality solutions.  
Participate in design and architecture discussions, contributing ideas and solutions to improve system performance and security. 
Provide technical support and mentorship to junior engineers as needed. 
Develop and maintain unit tests and integration tests to ensure code quality and system reliability. 
Debug and resolve issues in a timely manner, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. 
Use automated testing frameworks to streamline the testing process and maintain continuous integration pipelines. 
Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for code, APIs, and system architecture. 
Document development processes, protocols, and procedures for future reference and onboarding purposes. 
Ensure documentation is clear, accurate, and up-to-date. 
Stay updated on the latest Python developments, tools, and best practices. 
Proactively seek opportunities to improve the Gatekeeper system's performance, security, and user experience. 
Participate in agile development processes, including sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.

It is required that the Senior Python Engineer have the following qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. 
Nine (9) or more years of experience. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 
U.S. Citizenship and an active Top-Secret clearance. 
IAT-II Certification (i.e., Security + CE). 
Three (3) to five (5) years of hands-on experience in Python development, with a focus on security-related projects. 
Strong proficiency in Python programming and familiarity with its ecosystems. 
Experience with web frameworks such as Django or Flask. 
Familiarity with API development and integration. 
Knowledge of security best practices, including secure coding, encryption, and authentication. 
Experience with version control systems, particularly Git. 
Understanding of database technologies and ORM (Object Relational Mapping). 
Relevant certifications in Python, cybersecurity, or software development are a plus.