Principal Software Engineer – Technical Program Lead (DoD Programs)
About The Position
We are seeking a senior technical leader to support a software-focused program within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/HNJ). This role operates within a DoD program office environment, providing engineering leadership and technical oversight for software systems supporting Air Force missions. The position is intended for experienced engineers who understand software architecture, development pipelines, and deployment environments, but whose primary role is technical leadership, program integration, and engineering oversight rather than daily coding. The selected candidate will work closely with program leadership, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure software solutions meet mission, security, schedule, and cost objectives. IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE: The ideal candidate is a senior engineer who understands both software development and the realities of large defense programs. They are comfortable guiding technical direction, evaluating engineering approaches, and advising program leadership, while also maintaining enough technical depth to work effectively with development teams. This role is best suited for someone who enjoys technical leadership and system-level problem solving, rather than day-to-day software coding.
Requirements
- Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret / SCI eligibility.
- 10+ years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or technical program execution.
- Experience with modern software development environments including multiple operating systems (Linux/Unix) and common development languages and frameworks.
- Working knowledge of frontend and backend web application architectures and deployment environments.
- Familiarity with common development tools and environments (Git-based version control, modern IDEs, scripting tools).
- Experience supporting technical documentation and engineering activities within structured programs.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical issues to both technical teams and program leadership.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in a STEM discipline (engineering or computer science preferred).
- Experience working within DoD or Air Force program environments.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity and system authorization processes such as RMF and Authority to Operate (ATO).
- Experience with DevSecOps pipelines, automated testing, and modern software delivery practices.
- Knowledge of development within classified network environments (NIPR/SIPR).
- Experience with containerization, virtualization, and modern infrastructure technologies.
- Cybersecurity or software certifications (Security+ required within six months of hire).
- Prior military service, particularly mid-to-senior officer experience, is highly valued.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or DAWIA certifications are beneficial but not required.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and engineering oversight for software development efforts supporting Air Force systems.
- Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams to evaluate software architectures, development approaches, and technical risks.
- Advise program leadership on engineering strategies that balance technical performance, cybersecurity requirements, cost, and schedule.
- Support lifecycle engineering activities including technical reviews, milestone decisions, and sustainment planning.
- Review and contribute to engineering documentation required for DoD acquisition programs, including Statements of Work, Contract Data Requirements Lists, and technical evaluations.
- Provide subject matter expertise on modern software development practices including DevSecOps pipelines, web-based systems, and secure deployment environments.
- Assess technical risks and recommend mitigation strategies to ensure delivery of reliable and secure operational capability.
- Support technical briefings, engineering analysis, and coordination across development teams, cybersecurity authorities, and program leadership.
- Where necessary, assist development teams with architecture guidance and troubleshooting, but the role is primarily technical leadership rather than hands-on development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
