Senior Application Developer (CNO/Embedded Systems)

Application Developer (CNO/Embedded Systems) – Level III

Location: Fort Meade, MD
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Senior (12+ years)
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with polygraph required

Position Overview

The selected candidate will serve as an Application Developer and Computer Network Operations (CNO) software engineer supporting embedded and general-purpose system development for mission-critical initiatives. This role involves designing, developing, prototyping, and integrating specialized software solutions to address complex operational requirements.

The candidate will operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate closely with analysts, operators, data scientists, and other engineers to deliver capabilities that directly support mission execution. This position requires adaptability, technical depth, and a strong commitment to continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

Capability Development

• Design, develop, prototype, and integrate software solutions across Linux, Windows, and embedded platforms
• Augment and enhance existing toolsets to support evolving mission needs
• Deliver deployable capabilities that operate effectively within mission constraints

Requirements & Prototyping

• Derive, document, and analyze technical and operational requirements
• Translate mission needs into scalable and effective technical solutions
• Build prototypes to validate approaches and demonstrate capability alignment

Reverse Engineering & Research

• Perform advanced reverse engineering of software and systems
• Conduct vulnerability research and support exploit development activities
• Analyze system behavior to inform capability development

Operational Support & Collaboration

• Provide sustainment and troubleshooting support for deployed systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration and mission success
• Engage with stakeholders and leadership to build relationships and support mission objectives

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, or:
  • Master’s degree with at least 10 years of experience, or
  • 4 additional years of software engineering experience in lieu of a degree
• Demonstrated experience developing CNO-specific software across Linux, Windows, or embedded platforms
• Expert-level proficiency in reverse engineering, including experience with tools such as Ghidra
• Strong experience in vulnerability research and exploit development
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, including:
  • C
  • C++
  • Python
  • Rust
  • Go
• Experience supporting and maintaining production software systems
• Knowledge of end-to-end signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis systems
• Experience supporting operational CNO capabilities and environments
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git, Subversion)
• Experience using collaboration and issue-tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologies to meet mission objectives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with additional programming or scripting languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, Bash, Assembly [x86/x64], PowerShell, Perl, C#)
• Experience in cryptologic development or related domains

Desired Attributes

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Strong analytical and reverse engineering capabilities
• Effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• High level of ownership, adaptability, and attention to detail
• Strong motivation to continuously learn and apply new technologies

Benefits & Total Compensation

Compensation & Retirement

• Highly competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Employee referral bonus program (up to $10,000 per referral)
• 401(k) and Roth retirement plans with up to 10% profit-sharing contribution

Paid Time Off & Leave

• 25 days of paid time off annually
• PTO buy-back program
• 11 paid holidays annually (with flexible scheduling options)
• 3 additional paid site closure days per year
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave:
  • 8 weeks childbirth leave for birthing parent
  • 4 weeks bonding leave for all parents (birth or adoption)

Health & Insurance

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, dependent care, limited purpose)
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Education & Professional Development

• Unlimited company-funded training courses and industry conferences
• Education assistance and continuing education support
• Up to 5 paid training days per year

Additional Benefits

• Company-provided apparel
• Regular company-sponsored events, including family-friendly gatherings and social events
• Annual holiday celebration

Benefits are subject to change based on contract and organizational policies.

Additional Information

• This position requires work to be performed on-site in a secure environment
• Candidates must maintain an active security clearance
• U.S. citizenship may be required based on contract requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.