Software Engineer, SME

JOB SUMMARY: The Software Engineer, SME will act as the AFNWC/NCC-recognized expert in a specialized software/IT domain, guiding technical direction, solution design, and delivery across complex, secure computing environments. The SME will apply deep theoretical and practical knowledge of software engineering to assess, design, develop, secure, test, and sustain mission software systems, ensuring solutions meet stringent requirements for reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational performance. This position is central to designing and implementing best practices, leading technical work-groups, and integrating developmental software into operational platforms in support of USSTRATCOM missions., * Act as the primary expert for specific software applications and IT domains; lead workgroups and provide guidance on resolving organizational needs through technical innovation.

• Define government requirements and generate design specifications, translating complex needs into detailed algorithms for coding and technical execution.
• Assist Cybersecurity Engineers by ensuring hardware, operating systems, and software designs satisfy DoDD 8570 security requirements for the Computing Environment (CE).
• Work within an Agile team to perform coding, automation script writing for auto-deployable software, and peer code reviews.
• Perform Software Quality Assurance (SQA) and systematic testing to ensure products meet defined reliability and maintainability standards.
• Research emerging COTS/GOTS technologies and develop software prototypes to support system modernization and “Analysis of Alternatives” for USSTRATCOM mission requirements.
• Review and prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including user guides, training manuals, system specifications, and flowcharts.

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on large-scale, complex systems (millions of lines of code).
• Proven experience in the full SDLC, including requirements in analysis, design, construction, testing, and maintenance.
• Experience working within an Agile software development framework and implementing automation for software build, packaging, and deployment.
• Deep understanding of DoD information security assurance processes and DoDD 8570 requirements.
• Must be able to successfully pass a polygraph examination., * Experience supporting AFNWC/NCC and/or USSTRATCOM programs in classified environments.
• Expertise in secure architecture/design for Computing Environments (CE) including OS hardening and secure configuration baselines.
• Familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, DISA SRGs, and related cybersecurity compliance processes.
• Proficiency with DevSecOps practices, Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible), and containerization/orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with modern software stacks (e.g., Python, Java, C/C++, .NET), test automation frameworks, and performance testing.
• Knowledge of messaging/data transmission concepts and integration of software into operational command-and-control platforms.
• Experience with MBSE, digital engineering, and model-based documentation/tools (SysML, Cameo).
• Background in evaluating emerging tech for mission application (cloud services, microservices, event-driven architectures).
• Prior participation in high-visibility government work-groups or technical tiger teams., * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field; Master’s degree preferred
• DoD Directive (DoDD) 8570 IAM Level II certification (e.g., CAP, CASP+ CE, CISM, CISSP, or GSLC) (required)
• Additional relevant technical certifications (e.g., CISSP, CASP+, AWS/GCP/Azure cloud certs, Scrum/Agile) preferred

REQUIRED CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret

Benefits Offered: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, parental leave, pet insurance, paid time off, and holidays.