Senior / SME Software Developer - Java / Python

NT Concepts

Chantilly, VA • Remote

$58.50 - $74.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Senior to SME-level Software Engineer with deep expertise in Java or Python to join our team. Working at NT Concepts means that you are part of an innovative, agile company dedicated to solving the most critical challenges in National Security. We're looking for high-caliber technical leaders to join us in supporting this mission. If meaningful work, initiative, technical leadership, and continuous self-improvement are important to your career, join our growing team and discover What's Next for you. 

Mission Focus: As a senior technical leader on our solutions delivery team, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and drive programs advancing critical government systems. NT Concepts is seeking a Senior / SME Developer to lead and architect solutions for an exciting data transformation and system modernization initiative within the Intelligence Community (IC).

Clearance: Active TS/SCI CI Poly  

Location/Flexibility: Local to the DC Metro Area, Remote Flexible 

Responsibilities 

In this role, you will provide technical leadership, architectural guidance, and hands-on engineering to design and implement mission-critical systems and data pipelines using Java and/or Python.

  • Architecture & Development: Architect, design, and implement resilient, scalable backend applications, microservices, and distributed data processing pipelines using Java (e.g., Spring Boot) or Python (e.g., FastAPI, Django, distributed frameworks).
  • Technical Leadership & SME Guidance: Serve as the subject matter expert on software architecture, design patterns, and engineering standards across the program; mentor team members and lead technical design sessions.
  • API & System Integration: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise RESTful APIs, event-driven architectures, and secure interfaces across complex multi-system environments.
  • Data Transformation & Modernization: Architect and optimize robust data storage, ingestion, and transformation pipelines utilizing complex SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch).
  • Cloud & Infrastructure Strategy: Drive cloud-native application designs and container orchestration strategies (Docker, Kubernetes) within secure IC cloud environments (AWS / Azure).
  • Security & Performance Engineering: Ensure systems meet the highest standards of security compliance, zero-trust architecture, high availability, and low-latency performance.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with government stakeholders, product managers, and systems architects to translate complex operational needs into clear technical roadmaps and actionable solutions.

Qualifications

  • Security Clearance: Must possess an active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph.
  • Senior Level: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 7+ years of professional software engineering experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • SME Level: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 10+ years of progressive software engineering and architectural leadership experience.
  • Core Languages: Deep production expertise in Java (Java 11/17+, Spring Framework / Spring Boot) OR Python (Python 3.x, FastAPI, Flask, async programming), with the versatility to work across both environments.
  • System Design & Architecture: Proven track record of designing scalable, loosely coupled, and fault-tolerant microservices architectures and enterprise APIs.
  • Database Architecture: Advanced experience with relational data modeling, query optimization, and NoSQL solutions (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, DynamoDB, Elasticsearch).
  • Cloud & Containerization: Hands-on experience architecting and deploying solutions in secure cloud environments (AWS, Azure) using Docker and Kubernetes.
  • DevOps & CI/CD: Strong understanding of continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and secure coding practices.
  • Methodologies: Strong background working within and guiding Agile/Scrum delivery teams.

Preferred / Desired Skills:

  • Experience with large-scale data transformation, ETL/ELT pipelines, or distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Apache Spark, Kafka, AWS Glue/EMR).
  • Experience architecting solutions within high-security or air-gapped AWS environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud / C2S).
  • Relevant technical certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, or relevant language certifications)

Physical Requirements: 

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift to 10-15 pounds at times.



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Senior Java Software Developer?

A: To succeed as a Senior Java Software Developer, key technical skills include expertise in Java programming languages, experience with design patterns, and proficiency in Agile development methodologies. Additionally, soft skills such as strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are crucial, as they enable effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and the ability to mentor junior developers. By combining these technical and soft skills, Senior Java Software Developers can drive technical innovation, lead high-performing teams, and contribute to the success of their organization.

Q: What is the career path for a Senior Java Software Developer?

A: A Senior Java Software Developer typically progresses through a career path that includes entry-level roles such as Junior Java Developer, mid-level positions like Java Developer or Team Lead, and senior roles like Senior Java Software Developer or Technical Lead. Key opportunities for skill development and professional growth in this role include mastering advanced Java technologies, learning cloud computing platforms, and developing leadership and project management skills, which can be achieved through online courses, certifications, and mentorship. Long-term career prospects for Senior Java Software Developers may include transitioning into technical leadership roles, such as Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering, or pursuing specialized roles like DevOps Engineer or Cloud Architect.



NT Concepts job posting for a Senior / SME Software Developer - Java / Python in Chantilly, VA, with a map of Chantilly location.