Principal Software Engineer – (Hybrid/Remote) McLean, VA – Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Required

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.ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain big data pipelines for ingesting, processing, and analyzing high-volume data across multiple sources in real-time and batch modesLead 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 analyticsBuild 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 requirementsServe as the technical lead-setting engineering direction, conducting code reviews, mentoring team members, and making architecture decisionsInterface directly with government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into technical solutionsTroubleshoot production systems, optimize performance, and ensure reliability, scalability, and availabilityRequirementsMinimum 10 years of software engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a lead or architect-level roleProven, 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 equivalentExperience 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 problemsStrong 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 architectureActive TS/SCI clearance with polygraph requiredPreferred QualificationsExperience with graph analytics (e.g., Spark GraphX, Neo4j)Background supporting CBRN or defense threat detection systemsExperience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and containerized environmentsFull-stack development experience (APIs, front-end interfaces)Mobile application development experienceWhat We OfferCompetitive compensation aligned to experience401(k) with 6% company matchComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coveragePaid Time Off and 11 paid federal holidaysEmployee profit sharing programOpportunity to work on mission-critical systems supporting national securityCollaborative, AI-first engineering culture focused on innovation and deliveryJOIN THE SYNERETEX TEAMIf 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.