> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3078967-sr-cno-developer-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3078967-sr-cno-developer-lead). 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).

---

# Sr. CNO Developer - Lead

- **Company:** Shadowgate Partners, Inc.
- **Location:** Laurel, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $277,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Software Debugging, Perl (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), OllyDBg, Reverse Engineering, IDA Pro
- **Published:** September 25, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9191480/sr-cno-developer-lead

## About the Role

* Twelve or more years of programming experience in Assembly, C, C++, Java, Perl, and/or Python.
 * Ten or more years of experience programming CNO tools.
 * Five or more years leading, managing, or supervising teams delivering CNO capability development.
 * Deep understanding of operating system internals and kernel-level programming.
 * Experience with reverse engineering frameworks (IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg) and disassemblers/debuggers.
 * Demonstrated technical leadership and the ability to guide senior engineers., * Experience standing up a new development team or capability line from scratch.
 * Background spanning both development and vulnerability research.
 * Experience managing delivery against shifting operational priorities.
 * History of retaining and developing senior technical talent., Bachelor's degree plus twelve years of experience, master's degree plus ten years of experience, or a PhD plus eight years of experience.

Clearance Level

This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must hold, or be able to reinstate, the required clearance and polygraph prior to start. Clearance eligibility must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

## Description

* Lead a team of developers through the full capability lifecycle - design, development, test, and sustainment.
 * Own prototyping and delivery, keeping work aligned to evolving mission objectives.
 * Make architectural and technical decisions and defend them.
 * Grow the team's technical capability through mentorship and direct guidance.
 * Serve as the technical interface for capability requirements and delivery expectations.


## Related Videos

- [Using AI Without Losing Your Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2045-using-ai-without-losing-your-skills)
- [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)
- [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space)
- [One Pipeline, Three Regulator - SBOM Compliance for the Developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100169-one-pipeline-three-regulator-sbom-compliance-for-the-developer)
- [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers)
- [Fireside Chat with Lea](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/551-fireside-chat-with-lea)

## 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)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing)
- [The 10 C++ programming questions to expect in an interview](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/50-the-10-c-programming-questions-to-expect-in-an-interview)
- [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking)
- [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know)