Senior Software Programmer

Location: US - DC, Washington

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Job Family:

Software Development & Support

Travel Required:

Up to 10%

Clearance Required:

Active Top Secret (TS)

Overview

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Software Programmer to design, develop, and enhance applications that support mission‑critical programs across the Department of Justice (DOJ). In this role, you will work hands‑on with secure systems, collaborate with cross‑functional technical and mission teams, and contribute to the modernization of DOJ software platforms. You will be responsible for building reliable, secure, and maintainable code that enables DOJ components to operate efficiently and effectively in support of national justice and security priorities.

What You Will Do

• Design, program, test, and maintain secure, high‑quality software solutions supporting DOJ initiatives.
• Implement modular, scalable code using enterprise‑grade programming languages and frameworks.
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs, backend services, and data integration workflows.
• Contribute to modernization efforts including containerization, refactoring, microservices adoption, and cloud migration.
• Implement automated build, test, and deployment pipelines using CI/CD tools.
• Ensure code and system compliance with RMF, STIG, FIPS 140‑2, and DOJ/IC security requirements.
• Participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies and collaborate closely with product owners, analysts, testers, and mission stakeholders.
• Perform code reviews, improve coding standards, and contribute to technical design documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues in secure environments, including SCIF‑based operations support.
• Deliver well‑tested, maintainable code aligned with DOJ mission objectives and long‑term sustainment goals.

What You Will Need

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance with SCI or the ability to obtain SCI
• 8+ years of progressive software development/programming experience in secure, federal, or regulated environments.
• Strong proficiency in at least one backend language/framework:
  • Java/Spring Boot, .NET/C#, Python (FastAPI/Flask/Django), or Node.js (Express/Nest)
• Experience developing and consuming REST APIs and handling relational databases such as PostgreSQL or Oracle (queries, schema, performance tuning).
• Hands‑on experience with CI/CD tooling (GitLab CI, Jenkins, GitHub Actions) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes/OpenShift).
• Understanding of secure coding practices: authN/Z, secrets management, encryption, TLS/mTLS, OWASP Top 10.
• Familiarity with DOJ, IC, or DoD security frameworks including RMF documentation, STIG remediation, and compliance gates.
• Cloud experience with AWS GovCloud or Azure Government, including IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation).
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills within cross‑functional mission‑focused teams.
• Education: BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting DOJ components (e.g., FBI, DEA, ATF, EOIR, BOP, USAO) or other federal law enforcement missions.
• Familiarity with data streaming/search tech: Kafka, Kinesis, Elasticsearch/OpenSearch, NiFi.
• Experience with observability and SecOps tooling: Splunk, CloudWatch, Prometheus/Grafana, SonarQube, ZAP, Trivy.
• Knowledge of federal standards: CJIS, NIEM, FISMA, FedRAMP High, Section 508.
• Experience with modern messaging systems (gRPC, GraphQL, RabbitMQ, SQS/SNS, EventBridge).
• Automated testing frameworks: JUnit, pytest, Cypress/Playwright, Pact.
• Identity/security integrations: OAuth2/OIDC, SAML, KMS/HSM, PKI, RBAC/ABAC.
• Experience with Red Hat OpenShift, service mesh architectures (Istio/Linkerd), and OPA/Gatekeeper policy enforcement.
• Certifications such as AWS/Azure Gov, Security+, CASP+, CISSP, CKA/CKAD, DoD 8570/8140 roles.

Desired Additional Skills

• Experience modeling and managing sensitive/controlled data flows.
• Strong experience with secret and configuration management systems (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault).
• Ability to produce high‑quality technical documentation (ADRs, low‑level designs, operational runbooks).
• Proficient at troubleshooting production issues under structured change control.
• Experience mentoring junior/ mid‑level programmers and contributing to reusable components and coding standards.
• Comfortable working within SCIF processes and managing work via ITSM tools such as ServiceNow or Jira.

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Care.com annual membership

• Employee Assistance Program

• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [email protected]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or [email protected].  Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse.  Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact [email protected]. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.