Temporary Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) team responsible for designing, building, and sustaining a Kubernetes-based platform that supports mission applications and shared platform services. This team delivers the underlying infrastructure, CI/CD workflows, platform services, and Kubernetes-native capabilities used by multiple application teams in an air-gapped environment. You will work across Kubernetes platform engineering and software development, building and maintaining cluster capabilities, developing shared services, and supporting secure deployment pipelines and installation/configuration in Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and sustain a Kubernetes-based PaaS (clusters on physical systems and virtualized environments, including 'virtual clusters').

• Develop and maintain shared platform services that provide common capabilities to application teams (e.g., routing/utility services, alerting, cluster-level protections, data processing services).

• Implement and maintain Kubernetes-native integrations, including operators and controller patterns.

• Support and improve CI/CD pipelines using GitLab (pipeline stages, integration of scanning tools, automated checks, and promotion workflows).

• Perform Linux-based installation/configuration activities in air-gapped systems, including automation and repeatable deployment workflows.

• Support phased deployment/test promotion flows (e.g., virtual/small system miniature system full system).

• Contribute to quality practices: automated checks, 'fail-fast' validations where appropriate, and broader pipeline/system testing.

• Collaborate using the Atlassian toolset (Jira/Confluence) for planning, tracking, and documentation.

• Work with cybersecurity and platform controls at the cluster level (e.g., scanning integrations and security-related platform configuration).

• Participate in technical assessments/interviews and contribute to a 'pick up tasks and execute' team culture.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 3–5 years of professional software engineering experience.

• Experience developing backend services using Golang (Go), including microservices and APIs.

• Experience with JavaScript to support React-based frontends.

• Experience deploying applications into existing Kubernetes environments (service-level, not cluster ownership).

• Experience working in air-gapped / on-prem / constrained DoD environments.

• Ability to obtain or hold a Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with gRPC and service-to-service communication patterns.

• Experience with GitLab for source control and interacting with CI/CD pipelines.

• Exposure to React (JavaScript) for lightweight dashboards or GUIs.

• Understanding of API-based architectures (frontend, middleware, backend separation).

• Experience with unit testing and delivering secure code.

• Knowledge of secure systems (encryption in transit, secure APIs, cybersecurity best practices).

Work Environment

Onsite in Manassas, VA in the USW Classified Lab.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $51.00 - $66.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.