Principal Software Engineer - (Hybrid/Remote) McLean, VA - Acti

Synertex is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support a mission-focused defense program delivering advanced data integration and analytics capabilities for chemical, biological, and emerging threat detection. This role is a hands-on technical leadership position responsible for architecting, building, and sustaining large-scale data platforms in classified environments.

You will serve as the technical authority on the program-designing real-time and batch data processing systems, integrating machine learning capabilities, and delivering scalable solutions that transform high-volume sensor and intelligence data into actionable insights for mission stakeholders., * Design, build, and maintain big data pipelines for ingesting, processing, and analyzing high-volume data across multiple sources in real-time and batch modes

• Lead architecture and implementation of distributed data processing systems (e.g., Kafka, Spark, Hadoop, NiFi)
• Develop and integrate machine learning models for classification, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics
• Build and maintain data storage solutions across relational, NoSQL, and columnar databases (e.g., HBase, Hive, Kudu, Impala)
• Deploy and manage applications in classified environments with strict security and compliance requirements
• Serve as the technical lead-setting engineering direction, conducting code reviews, mentoring team members, and making architecture decisions
• Interface directly with government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into technical solutions
• Troubleshoot production systems, optimize performance, and ensure reliability, scalability, and availability

• Minimum 10 years of software engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a lead or architect-level role
• Proven, hands-on experience designing and operating big data systems in production using technologies such as Kafka, Spark, Hadoop (HDFS), HBase, Hive, NiFi, Kudu, Impala, or equivalent
• Experience with real-time data streaming and event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka Streams, Spark Streaming, KSQL)
• Working knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., Spark MLlib, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) with applied experience solving real-world data problems
• Strong proficiency in Java (additional languages such as Python, Scala, or Ruby are a plus)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps, and build automation (e.g., Jenkins, Maven, Git, Docker)
• Experience operating in classified environments (e.g., SIPRNet, JWICS, or equivalent)
• Ability to lead technical execution while remaining hands-on in development and architecture
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with graph analytics (e.g., Spark GraphX, Neo4j)
• Background supporting CBRN or defense threat detection systems
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and containerized environments
• Full-stack development experience (APIs, front-end interfaces)
• Mobile application development experience

• Competitive compensation aligned to experience
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off and 11 paid federal holidays
• Employee profit sharing program
• Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems supporting national security
• Collaborative, AI-first engineering culture focused on innovation and delivery