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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer (Top Secret Clearance) - **Company:** Actalent - **Location:** Sterling, VA, United States - **Salary:** $124,800.0 - $187,200.0 - **Contract:** Temporary to permanent - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Applications Architecture, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Configuration Management, Static Program Analysis, Relational Databases, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Design of User Interfaces, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, MATLAB, Object-Oriented Software Development, Public Key Infrastructure, Ansible, Message Oriented Middleware, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Integration, Software Troubleshooting, Orbital Mechanics, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Software Performance - **Published:** September 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/B95DEB05439047189E40D20CF0189772/job/ ## About the Role Must be willing and able to commute to Dulles, VA and work fully onsite., * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, ideally Computer Science or Engineering, and at least 5 years of software engineering experience for Level 3; or a master's degree and 3 years of experience; or a PhD. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree with an additional 4 years of relevant work. * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, ideally Computer Science or Engineering, and at least 8 years of software engineering experience for Level 4; or a master's degree and 6 years of experience; or a PhD and 3 years. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree with an additional 4 years of relevant work. * Demonstrated professional software development experience on complex systems. * Hands-on Python application development experience. * Strong proficiency in C++ for production-grade software. * Experience working with satellite ground software, ground systems, or spacecraft-related applications. * Ability to develop applications using service-oriented or object-oriented architectures and message bus-based data exchange. * Experience with full stack development, including operating system, platform, and mission-specific layers. * Active Top Secret clearance at the time of application. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Experience with Postgres or similar relational database technologies. * Experience with Ansible or similar tools for configuration management and infrastructure provisioning. * Familiarity with cloud infrastructure provisioning and deployment practices. * Knowledge of PKI and secure software development practices. * Experience performing static code analysis and remediating identified issues. * Experience or interest in UI/UX for mission or operations software interfaces. * Exposure to MATLAB for data analysis or modeling in support of space missions. * Experience working with satellite ground stations, spacecraft operations, or space-related systems. * Strong preference for candidates holding Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or access. * Intellectual curiosity and a desire to work on hardware and software that operate in space. * Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary engineering environment tackling complex problems such as radiation effects, autonomy, orbital mechanics, systems integration, and mission assurance. ## Description This role focuses on the development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software supporting complex spacecraft missions. You will work in a highly technical environment on full stack solutions that span operating systems, platforms, and mission-unique software layers, contributing directly to systems that must perform flawlessly in space. This position is based onsite in the Dulles, VA or McLean/Tysons Corner, VA area and requires an active Top Secret clearance at the time of application., * Perform full stack software development across the operating system, platform, and mission-unique software layers for satellite ground systems. * Design and develop client and server applications and services using service-oriented or object-oriented architectures and message bus-based data exchange. * Implement applications using Python, C++, Postgres, Ansible, cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis tools, including remediation of findings. * Act as a self-starter who makes sound technical decisions while considering overall project budget and schedule constraints. * Support operations for ground software and associated configurations, including troubleshooting software errors and hardware issues that affect ground software performance. * Configure ground segment software to meet mission and operational requirements. * Support acceptance test events by planning, executing, and documenting tests. * Develop and maintain test automation to improve reliability and efficiency of ground software validation. * Identify, resolve, and remediate software defects in collaboration with the broader engineering team. * Implement software enhancements driven by customer change requests and evolving mission needs. * Provide ground software support during launch and launch rehearsal events to ensure mission readiness. * Support the installation and deployment of new ground segment software in operational, development, and test environments. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams working on spacecraft integration, mission assurance, and complex space-related challenges., This role is based onsite in a high-performance engineering environment in either Dulles, VA or the McLean/Tysons Corner, VA area. You will contribute to the build, integration, test, and operation of spacecraft and satellite ground systems that must function reliably in the harsh conditions of space. The workplace is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary, with engineers focused on challenges such as radiation resilience, autonomy, orbital mechanics, systems integration, and mission assurance. You will work with modern software technologies including Python, C++, Postgres, Ansible, cloud infrastructure tools, PKI, and static code analysis platforms, in operational, development, and test environments. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and solving complex, mission-critical problems, making it one of the strongest engineering environments in the region for professionals who want to work on systems that go into space. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Optimizing Discovery: PostgreSQL's Role in Transforming GetYourGuide's Search](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1647-optimizing-discovery-postgresql-s-role-in-transforming-getyourguide-s-search) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Dev & Test in the Cloud? 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