Principal Software Engineer - (Hybrid/Remote) McLean, VA - Acti

Synertex is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support a mission-focused defense program delivering advanced data integration and analytics capabilities for chemical, biological, and emerging threat detection. This role is a hands-on technical leadership position responsible for architecting, building, and sustaining large-scale data platforms in classified environments.

You will serve as the technical authority on the program-designing real-time and batch data processing systems, integrating machine learning capabilities, and delivering scalable solutions that transform high-volume sensor and intelligence data into actionable insights for mission stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build, and maintain big data pipelines for ingesting, processing, and analyzing high-volume data across multiple sources in real-time and batch modes
• Lead architecture and implementation of distributed data processing systems (e.g., Kafka, Spark, Hadoop, NiFi)
• Develop and integrate machine learning models for classification, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics
• Build and maintain data storage solutions across relational, NoSQL, and columnar databases (e.g., HBase, Hive, Kudu, Impala)
• Deploy and manage applications in classified environments with strict security and compliance requirements
• Serve as the technical lead-setting engineering direction, conducting code reviews, mentoring team members, and making architecture decisions
• Interface directly with government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into technical solutions
• Troubleshoot production systems, optimize performance, and ensure reliability, scalability, and availability

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of software engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a lead or architect-level role
• Proven, hands-on experience designing and operating big data systems in production using technologies such as Kafka, Spark, Hadoop (HDFS), HBase, Hive, NiFi, Kudu, Impala, or equivalent
• Experience with real-time data streaming and event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka Streams, Spark Streaming, KSQL)
• Working knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., Spark MLlib, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) with applied experience solving real-world data problems
• Strong proficiency in Java (additional languages such as Python, Scala, or Ruby are a plus)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps, and build automation (e.g., Jenkins, Maven, Git, Docker)
• Experience operating in classified environments (e.g., SIPRNet, JWICS, or equivalent)
• Ability to lead technical execution while remaining hands-on in development and architecture
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with graph analytics (e.g., Spark GraphX, Neo4j)
• Background supporting CBRN or defense threat detection systems
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and containerized environments
• Full-stack development experience (APIs, front-end interfaces)
• Mobile application development experience

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation aligned to experience
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off and 11 paid federal holidays
• Employee profit sharing program
• Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems supporting national security
• Collaborative, AI-first engineering culture focused on innovation and delivery

JOIN THE SYNERETEX TEAM

If you're looking for a role where your expertise is valued, your voice is heard, and your work truly matters, we encourage you to apply and explore what it means to be part of the Synertex team.