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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Secret) {S} - **Company:** ARKA Group - **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $130,000.0 - $175,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Confluence, JIRA, Microsoft Azure, Bash Shell, C Sharp (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Software Quality, Code Review, CompTIA Security+, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Github, Python (Programming Language), OpenShift, Performance Tuning, Windows PowerShell, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, System Testing, Systems Integration, TypeScript, Scripting, Google Cloud, Enterprise Software Applications, .NET Core, ReactJS, Delivery Pipeline, Kubernetes Helm Charts, Containerization, AngularJS, Gitlab-ci, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Deployment Automation, Rancher, Azure AKS, Front End Software Development, Restful APIs, Docker, Microservices - **Published:** June 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8988227/senior-forward-deployed-software-engineer-secret-s ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field * 5+ years of professional experience in software development * Strong Focus: 5+ years with C# and the .NET/.NET Core ecosystem * 3+ years of hands-on Java development * 3+ years of hands-on experience deploying, managing, and troubleshooting applications within Kubernetes environments (Rancher / OpenShift experience is a plus) Technical Skills * Expertise with containerization (Docker, Podman) and orchestration (Kubernetes, Helm) * Proficiency in setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines for containerized services * Strong understanding of microservices, RESTful APIs, networking, and system architecture * Experience with the full SDLC and Agile/Scrum methodologies (Jira/Confluence) * Ability to write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code (Unit, Integration, System tests) Security & Compliance * Active Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance is mandatory * Willingness to obtain an IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CASP+), * Experience with other languages useful for scripting and infrastructure (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash) * Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and managed Kubernetes services * Experience with front-end development using React or Angular (JavaScript/TypeScript) * Experience in a customer-facing or professional services role, especially in highly regulated sectors (e.g., defense), This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. ## Description ARKA is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) to serve as the critical technical owner for the deployment and operational success of our complex, mission-critical enterprise software systems. This role demands a unique and strong blend of hands-on software development, expertise in Kubernetes infrastructure, and direct engagement with our key customers. The FDSE will be a high-impact contributor, directly responsible for technical delivery from initial prototype through stable, production-ready deployments., * End-to-End Delivery: Own the technical delivery across multiple customer deployments, from initial configuration to stable, high-availability production environments * Orchestration & Automation: Design, develop, and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) artifacts, including Helm charts, to standardize and automate software module deployments to Rancher Kubernetes and ensure parity across all environments (Dev, Staging, Prod) * Operational Excellence: Maintain operational availability for live enterprise applications, conducting performance tuning and rapidly diagnosing complex system, network, and container issues within highly regulated or secure customer infrastructures * CI/CD Pipeline Expertise: Implement, debug, and optimize robust CI/CD pipelines relevant to containerized applications (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) to automate all deployment phases Software Development & Customization * Code-Level Solutions: Design, develop, and implement necessary software customizations, integrations, and extensions, primarily using C#/.NET Core and Java, to meet unique customer requirements * Product Feedback Loop: Collaborate closely with the core engineering and product teams to integrate crucial customer-specific feedback, field insights, and technical requirements directly into the main product roadmap * Code Quality: Contribute directly to the codebase when progress is blocked or clarity is needed, performing code reviews and ensuring adherence to high standards for clean, scalable, and high-performance code Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership * Primary Technical Liaison: Act as the trusted technical point of contact for customers, providing expert guidance on system architecture, deployment strategies, and operational best practices * Enablement & Adoption: Embed closely with customer teams to understand their needs, guide the adoption of deployed solutions, and conduct technical training and knowledge transfer sessions * Agile Execution: Scope work, sequence delivery, make informed trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality, and proactively remove technical blockers to protect delivery timelines ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [Enabling automated 1-click customer deployments with built-in quality and security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/83-enabling-automated-1-click-customer-deployments-with-built-in-quality-and-security) - [Integrate your Cognitive Assistant with 3rd-party DBs and software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/249-integrate-your-cognitive-assistant-with-3rd-party-dbs-and-software) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)