Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Herndon, VA, USA
In-Office
113K-345K Annually
Senior level
Information Technology • Security • Software
The Role
Designs and develops mission-critical software and infrastructure for national security applications. Responsibilities include Linux engineering, programming in compiled and scripted languages, virtual machine and container orchestration, code and release management, automated testing, CI/CD, disconnected synchronization workflows, and maintaining network environments. The engineer collaborates with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers, mentors colleagues, communicates technical concepts clearly, and delivers reliable customer-focused solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, highly adaptable software engineer who thrives in complex environments, seamlessly bridging the gap between strategic infrastructure design and hands-on development. With deep expertise spanning Linux operating systems, version control administration, and the strategic deployment of virtual machines and container orchestration, this engineer expertly tailors technical solutions to the mission at hand. They are adept at evaluating project requirements to choose the right tools for the job—whether deciding between compiled and scripted languages, breaking down complex features into actionable tasks, or engineering ingenious synchronization workflows for disconnected.

Beyond their technical acumen, this candidate is a collaborative force multiplier deeply committed to mission success. They actively look forward to partnering with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers, expertly taking prototypes and refining them into robust, rigorously tested tools with a reliable release cycle. Driven by a customer-centric mindset and transparent communication, this engineer is capable of making complex software practices accessible to non-technical peers. They bring a wealth of practical, real-world experience—ready to share their journey through technical "story-time"—and are eager to channel their problem-solving expertise into tangible, impactful results for the team and the broader mission.

Role Expectations 

  • Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Works to achieve operational objectives with a major impact on the job area and/or departmental results.
  • Responsible for improving processes, systems, or work methods to enhance the performance of the function.
  • Influences stakeholders within and outside the immediate work area regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Provides guidance, coaching, or training to other professionals within the job area.
  • Requires advanced knowledge of the job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.
Contract Specific Qualifications
  • Competent and comfortable with compiled (e.g., C/C++, Golang) and scripted (e.g., Python, JavaScript) programming languages
  • Very experienced and skilled with Linux-based operating systems and utilities
  • Very experienced with virtual machines, containers, and container orchestration tools
  • Very experienced with code management, feature planning, task tracking, and knowledge collection (e.g., GitLab, Jira, Confluence)
  • Focused on automating testing, packaging, and releasing to production
  • Great communicator and mentor for younger and/or non-SWE coworkers
  • Relentless focus on what the customer asks for and a track record of meeting the customer's needs
  • Comfortable setting up and maintaining virtual machine and network environments to stage, test, and vet releases

Salary Range: $113,000 - $345,000

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Skills Required

  • University degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant experience
  • Proficiency with compiled programming languages such as C, C++, or Golang
  • Proficiency with scripted programming languages such as Python or JavaScript
  • Extensive experience with Linux-based operating systems and utilities
  • Extensive experience with virtual machines, containers, and container orchestration tools
  • Extensive experience with code management, feature planning, task tracking, and knowledge management tools such as GitLab, Jira, and Confluence
  • Experience automating testing, packaging, and production releases
  • Strong communication and mentoring skills
  • Customer-focused approach and demonstrated ability to meet customer needs
  • Experience setting up and maintaining virtual machine and network environments for staging, testing, and release validation

Clarity Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Clarity and has not been reviewed or approved by Clarity.

  • Fair & Transparent Compensation Pay is considered strong, with multiple references to “good” or “excellent” compensation. Salary snapshots for engineering and platform roles depict robust pay across multiple seniority levels.
  • Healthcare Strength Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside mental‑health support and wellness programs. The breadth of core offerings indicates comprehensive health support for individuals and families.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Time‑off provisions cover company holidays, PTO, and defined leaves such as parental, bereavement, and jury duty. This range of leave types supports common personal and family needs.

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The Company
HQ: Portland, OR
79 Employees
Year Founded: 2011

What We Do

Clarity Innovations designs, develops, and deploys force-enhancing software that links human ingenuity to powerful computing and makes our country and our world a better, safer place. Our principles of servant leadership, mutual respect, and technological excellence enable us to thrive on the challenges of the digital frontline. Clarity is focused on helping the Government redefine its relationship with technology by encouraging the use of DevSecOps and Agile methodologies, small-teams constructs, and process automation. To create an atmosphere that embraces the challenges inherent in progress, we honor creativity and curiosity, supporting exploration and growth with modern tech stacks and methodologies. We are as much a family as we are a team, collectively engineering technology that improves the lives and work of the people who use it. We empower our people with the tools, training, and vision they need to outperform the competition.

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