Software Engineer Lead

CACI International
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United StatesFull-time$126,100–$277,300Posted Sep 1, 2026

About the role

Job Title: Software Engineer Lead

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Local

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The Opportunity:

Lead software engineering efforts supporting intelligence, electronic warfare, and cyber systems for Department of Defense customers. As a Software Engineer Lead, you will:

Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications and systems for complex DoD intelligence and mission systems

Develop and integrate mission capabilities for next-generation SIGINT, EW, and Cyber Operations platforms

Architect and implement software solutions applying modern development methodologies including Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices

Lead software engineering teams in delivering scalable, secure, and mission-critical applications

Design and develop software components, firmware, and computing systems software for non-IT related engineering or scientific disciplines

Interface with product managers, systems engineers, and cross-functional teams across government and industry partners

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior software engineers

Responsibilities:

Design and implement complex software architectures using modern programming languages and frameworks

Lead development of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) applications for SIGINT, EW, and Cyber solutions

Develop and maintain distributed and asynchronous programming models for mission systems

Design and document hardware/software interfaces between system components

Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration, and deployment automation using tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, and Ansible

Develop microservices architectures and service-based applications with RESTful APIs

Write and maintain scripts using Python, Bash, or other scripting languages for automation and deployment

Design production-grade applications with security, diagnostics, maintainability, scalability, auditing, and complex multi-layer troubleshooting capabilities

Integrate systems with enterprise services, databases, and cloud architectures

Apply software standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system lifecycle

Conduct code reviews, develop coding standards, and ensure software quality and security compliance

Develop technical documentation including software design documents, API specifications, and user guides

Solve complex technical problems and recommend enhancements to software architecture

Support integration and test events including development, operational, and acceptance testing

Qualifications:

Required:

Active Secret security clearance (required)

Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or Mathematics with concentration in computer science

10+ years of professional experience with software engineering

Strong experience with applying programming concepts in professional environments using languages such as Java, C++, Python, or similar

Demonstrated experience with modern software development methodologies including Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices

Experience designing, developing, and deploying production software applications

Strong understanding of software architecture patterns, design principles, and best practices

Experience with version control systems such as Git and collaborative development workflows

Proficiency with automated testing frameworks and quality assurance practices

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues

Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and mentor junior engineers

Desired:

Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility

Agile Developer certification or Certified Scrum Developer certification

Experience with CMOSS/MORA interface standards and VPX architectures

Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration platforms

Experience with DevSecOps pipeline tooling such as GitLab, Jenkins, Nexus, SonarQube, JFrog Artifactory, or Fortify

Experience with Web Technologies such as Angular, React, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS

Experience with database programming including SQL and NoSQL databases

Experience in microservice architectures and API development

Working knowledge of signal processing fundamentals and RF systems

Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or GNU Radio for signal processing applications

Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or on-premises cloud solutions

Experience with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and secure coding practices

Understanding of Risk Management Framework (RMF) and system security authorization processes

Familiarity with Intelligence Community systems and data formats

Experience supporting government program offices in intelligence or defense sectors

Knowledge of distributed computing, parallel processing, or high-performance computing

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What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$126,100 - 277,300 USD

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications and systems for complex DoD intelligence and mission systems
  • Develop and integrate mission capabilities for next-generation SIGINT, EW, and Cyber Operations platforms
  • Architect and implement software solutions applying modern development methodologies including Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices
  • Lead software engineering teams in delivering scalable, secure, and mission-critical applications
  • Design and develop software components, firmware, and computing systems software for non-IT related engineering or scientific disciplines
  • Interface with product managers, systems engineers, and cross-functional teams across government and industry partners
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior software engineers

Qualifications

  • Active Secret security clearance
  • Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or Mathematics with concentration in computer science
  • 10+ years of professional experience with software engineering
  • Strong experience with applying programming concepts in professional environments using languages such as Java, C++, Python, or similar
  • Demonstrated experience with modern software development methodologies including Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices
  • Experience designing, developing, and deploying production software applications
  • Strong understanding of software architecture patterns, design principles, and best practices
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git and collaborative development workflows

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits
  • Flexible time off benefit
  • Access to robust learning resources

Skills mentioned

C++PythonSystem DesignDistributed SystemsMicroservicesREST APIsCI/CDKubernetesDockerGit

About CACI International

At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 27,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and technology to meet our customers’ greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 500™ Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at www.caci.com. CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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