> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3066499-principal-software-engineer-cyber-mission-systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3066499-principal-software-engineer-cyber-mission-systems). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer, Cyber Mission Systems - **Company:** Shadow Strategies, LLC - **Location:** Columbia, MD, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $185,000.0 - $205,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Software Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Information Technology, Operational Systems, Cyber Warfare - **Published:** September 25, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9193390/principal-software-engineer-cyber-mission-systems ## About the Role * You are recognized as a technical leader whose influence extends beyond a single team * You have defined architectures and technical direction for large-scale software systems * You excel at solving ambiguous, high-impact technical challenges * You can balance mission requirements, operational realities, technical risk, and long-term maintainability * You are comfortable advising program leadership and customers on technical strategy * You have successfully led cross-functional engineering efforts spanning multiple teams or organizational boundaries * You enjoy mentoring senior engineers and raising technical standards across an organization Required Skills * Large-scale software architecture * Technical leadership across multiple teams * Technolo gical roadmap development and presentation * Risk analysis and technical decision making * Full-stack software design and development * Secure software development in classified or operationally constrained environments * Software integration across services, platforms, and data sources * CI/CD and DevOps practices * Software testing, troubleshooting, and technical documentation Helpful Experience Areas * Offensive cyber operations or related national security mission environments * Declarative workflow systems or mission automation * Legacy system modernization and platform evolution * Operator-facing mission applications * Human-centered software development with UX teams * Real-time operational systems Years of Experience and Degree Requirements Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field and 1 4 years of experience OR an associate degree and 1 8 years of experience OR 20 years of experience without a degree Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ., Salary is determined by various factors , including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. ## Description Telework: Telework policy is being defined as this is a new contract, subject to manager approval and tasking Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph Salary Range: $ 185,000 to $ 205,000 At Shadow Strategies, you will join a culture defined by innovation, purpose, and meaningful impact. We seek principal software engineers who shape technical strategy, guide architectural evolution, and solve the most complex mission challenges. If you are inspired by complexity, motivated by clarity, and committed to excellence, we invite you to become part of something exceptional. This role supports the creation of a declarative, mission-adaptable workflow interface for cyber operations. The capability will enable operators to express mission intent, define parameters and boundaries, understand system behavior, and guide automation through a unified operational experience. You will influence the design and direction of mission-critical cyber capabilities, mentor senior engineers, and help define how software, automation, and mission systems evolve to support operational outcomes. You will serve as a trusted technical leader whose decisions influence programs, architectures, and mission success across organizational boundaries . What You'll Do * De fine the technical vision and architectural roadmap for mission-adaptable cyber operations capabilities * Lead the design of complex distributed systems supporting mission execution, automation, and operational decision-making * Serve as technical authority for software architecture, integration strategy, and system evolution * Partner with program leadership, system engineering, cybersecurity, and mission stakeholder to align technical solutions with mission priorities * Identify technical risks and drive mitigation strategies across the program lifecycle * Mentor senior engineers and provide technical leadership across the team * Lead architecture reviews and customer technical exchanges * Support proposal development, technical roadmaps, and future mission capability planning, Telework policy is being defined as this is a new contract, subject to manager approval and tasking Multidisciplinary teams supporting cyber mission systems in classified environments Principal software engineers provide technical leadership across programs, influence architectural direction, and are trusted to make decisions that affect long-term mission capability, system evolution, and engineering strategy. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [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) - [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) - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [DevOps Maturity Check – a way to balance autonomy and alignment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/58-devops-maturity-check-a-way-to-balance-autonomy-and-alignment) ## Related Articles - [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) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)