Demo

Software Engineer (Top Secret clearance required)

BlackFern Recruitment
Reston, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/17/2026

Software Engineer Simulation, Optimization & Decision Support
Join a team building mission-critical software that turns complex technical concepts into tools decision-makers actually rely on.
You ll work across the full stack from backend services to the interfaces that make sophisticated simulations and optimization models usable and across the full lifecycle, from early prototyping through deployment.
We re a small, collaborative group where engineers own real problems end to end.
If you like working close to the research, translating hard technical ideas into clean, maintainable software, and seeing your work go from whiteboard to operational use, this role is built for you.

What You ll Do

Build and scale full-stack applications supporting simulation, optimization, and decision-support tools
Design backend services and APIs (Java, Rust, or similar)
Build responsive, intuitive front-end applications (React, TypeScript)
Partner directly with researchers and end users to shape requirements and translate technical concepts into working software
Contribute at every stage prototyping, implementation, demos, and deployment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Math, or related field
5 years of professional software engineering experience
Strong experience with React, TypeScript, and modern front-end tooling
Experience building backend services/APIs in Java, Rust, or similar languages
A track record of writing readable, maintainable, well-engineered code in a collaborative setting
Comfort working directly with researchers, engineers, and end users to turn ideas into usable software
Exposure to full-stack web development in any modern framework
Must hold an active Top Secret clearance

Nice to Have

Active TS/SCI clearance
Experience with performance-sensitive, algorithmic, or parallel/concurrent software
Background in defense, national security, or other mission-driven environments
3D, geospatial, or high-performance visualization experience (WebGL, OpenGL)
Experience with distributed systems, databases, or messaging/async processing
Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled software (LLMs, computer vision, model integration)
Experience with cloud/containerized deployment (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD)

Salary.com Estimation for Software Engineer (Top Secret clearance required) in Reston, VA
$110,123 to $133,986
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