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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Developer (Principal/Expert) - TS/SCI with Polygraph Required - **Company:** Catalyst - **Location:** Vienna, VA, United States - **Salary:** $215,000.0 - $260,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Architectural Patterns, Cloud Computing, Databases, DevOps, Design of User Interfaces, Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, Web Applications, Backend, Containerization, Kubernetes, Restful APIs, Docker, Legacy Systems, Programming Languages, Microservices - **Published:** July 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f5edfa2723076729 ## About the Role US Citizenships and TS/SCI with Polygraph (no exceptions), * Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant professional software development experience (Master's degree and 10+ years also acceptable); additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, * Expert-level proficiency in one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, Python) * Extensive experience across the full stack, including web application UI development, back-end services, databases, and system integration * Extensive experience designing and building RESTful APIs and microservices architectures * Deep experience with cloud platforms and containerization/orchestration technologies (e.g., AWS, Docker, Kubernetes) * Demonstrated experience leading Agile/Scrum development teams * Extensive experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines * Demonstrated ability to translate customer and system requirements into enterprise-level technical design, including migration of legacy systems to modern architectures * Excellent critical thinking, technical writing, and oral communication skills, including the ability to present and defend technical solutions to customers and senior stakeholders * Principal/Expert positions set technical direction for the program and mentor Senior, Mid-Level, and Junior developers ## Description Principal/Expert Software Developers provide technical leadership across the design, architecture, and delivery of the most complex, mission-critical application systems in support of the customer's requirements, including modernization efforts that transition legacy systems to next-generation architectures. Principal/Expert Software Developers own major technical decisions across the full stack, evaluate cross-system design trade-offs, and set engineering direction across Agile development teams. Principal/Expert Software Developers are expected to mentor Senior, Mid-Level, and Associate developers, represent technical solutions directly to the customer, and drive the adoption of sound engineering practices across the program. ## Related Videos - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Navigating the Corporate Jungle: Life as a Developer in a large Company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/621-navigating-the-corporate-jungle-life-as-a-developer-in-a-large-company) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [System change: restart as developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/39-system-change-restart-as-developer)