Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer
ARA · Raleigh, NC
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Raleigh, NC
Job highlights
- Develop backend software for government Kubernetes.
- Integrate applications into secure environments.
- Design and maintain custom software solutions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Advance career with training and R&D.
About the role
About ARA:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. Founded in 1979, ARA employs over 2,200 professionals across offices in the U.S. and Canada, offering expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. ARA fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation, empowering employees as owners with the tools, training, and opportunities to thrive. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit,” encapsulates the ARA experience, where employee ownership drives creativity, initiative, higher performance, and customer satisfaction.
Job Summary:
ARA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer for its Raleigh, NC division. This role involves designing, implementing, deploying, and maintaining custom software solutions for unique and challenging problems, particularly within government Kubernetes clusters across cloud and on-premise environments. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with their team and interface with security to integrate applications into secure air-gap environments. ARA promotes career advancement through cross-training, involvement in R&D, and the integration of new ideas into operational programs. Employees are empowered to research and develop their own ideas with internal and external support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, configure, and implement software solutions for government Kubernetes clusters.
- Integrate applications into secure air-gap environments, working with security teams.
- Design, implement, deploy, and maintain custom software solutions.
- Collaborate with team members and interface with stakeholders.
- Contribute to R&D efforts and introduce new ideas into operational programs.
Position Requirements:
- US Citizenship required.
- Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance.
- BS or higher in computer science, IT, engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
- 10+ years of relevant work experience with a BS degree.
- 8+ years of relevant work experience with an MS degree.
- Willingness to relocate to Raleigh, NC.
- Ability to work onsite a minimum of 3 days a week, up to 5 days.
- Minimal travel for customer and partner collaboration.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with modern programming languages like Go, Rust, and/or Python.
- Proficiency in programming both functional and object-oriented applications.
- Expertise in API development with knowledge of gRPC, REST, WebSockets, and microservices.
- Experience with CI/CD tools such as Gitlab/Jenkins.
- Experience deploying software applications onto Kubernetes clusters (e.g., Helm, CNCF tooling).
- Experience administering Kubernetes clusters.
- Experience with IaC/CaC tools like Terraform, Open Tofu, or Crossplane.
What We Offer:
- Career advancement opportunities and continued learning.
- Cross-training in a wide range of disciplines.
- An environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration.
- Flexibility in choosing your level of autonomy.
- Challenging technical career with growth opportunities.
- Employee ownership benefits.
Key skills/competency:
- Backend Development
- Software Engineering
- Kubernetes
- API Development
- CI/CD
- Microservices
- Go
- Python
- Security Clearance
- Cloud Computing
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Backend Developer
- Software Engineering
- Kubernetes
- API Development
- Microservices
- CI/CD
- Go
- Python
- TS/SCI Clearance
- DoD
- Raleigh NC
- Hybrid
- Employee-Owned
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight backend development, Kubernetes, API design, and CI/CD experience relevant to the Senior Software Engineer role.
- Showcase security clearance: Clearly state your active DoD TS/SCI security clearance and US Citizenship.
- Emphasize core values: Align your application with ARA's values of passion, freedom, service, and growth.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss modern programming languages, microservices, gRPC, REST, and Kubernetes administration.
- Demonstrate leadership: Provide examples of your communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities for a Senior Backend Software Engineer at ARA?
- As a Senior Backend Software Engineer at ARA, you will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, deploying, and maintaining custom software solutions, particularly for government Kubernetes clusters in cloud and on-premise environments. This includes integrating applications into secure air-gap settings and collaborating with security teams.
- What technical skills are most important for this Senior Software Engineer role at ARA?
- Key technical skills include expertise in backend development, modern programming languages (Go, Rust, Python), API development (gRPC, REST, WebSockets, microservices), CI/CD tools (Gitlab, Jenkins), and deploying/administrating software on Kubernetes clusters using tools like Helm.
- Is relocation required for the Senior Backend Software Engineer position in Raleigh, NC?
- Yes, relocation to Raleigh, NC is required for this position. The role also specifies a hybrid work arrangement, requiring at least 3 days a week onsite.
- What level of security clearance is needed for the Senior Software Engineer job at ARA?
- An active DoD TS/SCI security clearance is required for this Senior Software Engineer position. US Citizenship is also a mandatory requirement.
- Does ARA offer opportunities for professional growth and development for their Senior Software Engineers?
- Absolutely. ARA fosters career advancement through cross-training in various disciplines, involvement in R&D efforts, and encouraging employees to bring new ideas to operational programs. You'll have opportunities to research and develop your own ideas with strong internal and external support.
- What does employee ownership mean at ARA for a Senior Software Engineer?
- As an employee-owned company, ARA gives its staff the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. This fosters greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance, contributing to the unique 'Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit' culture.
- What is the expected work arrangement for the Senior Software Engineer - Backend Developer role?
- This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, requiring you to be onsite in Raleigh, NC for a minimum of 3 days per week, with the flexibility to work onsite up to 5 days a week.
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