Principal Software Engineer

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role:

As aPrincipal Software Developer, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining, guiding, and validating software solutions for large-scale, mission-critical systems. You will lead technical planning, architecture decisions, and system integration efforts across programs while influencing engineering best practices and long-term technical direction.This role demands deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead teams

This role requires deep hands-on expertise and the ability to collaborate closely with systems engineers, testers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality software in structured or regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical planning and execution for complex software systems and subsystems
• Define and validate high-level and detailed software requirements across programs
• Architect and guide software solutions aligned with mission, operational, and enterprise needs
• Oversee and direct test planning and execution, including:
  • Use case development
  • Test strategy, procedures, and test data
  • System-level validation and verification
• Lead software systems integration across platforms and environments
• Provide senior-level technical oversight across the full software lifecycle, including:
  • Concept design
  • Development and integration
  • Installation and deployment
  • Operations, sustainment, and modernization
  • Retirement and disposal
• Conduct and guide technical trade studies and architectural decision analysis
• Resolve the most complex software integration and performance challenges
• Mentor senior and mid-level developers and guide technical teams
• Ensure software solutions balance performance, security, schedule, and cost constraints
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to program leadership and stakeholders

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree with 18+ years of related experience, or
  Master's degree with 16+ years, or PhD with 15+ years
• Expert-level experience in software architecture, development, systems integration and AWS tools
• Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and guide engineering teams
• Extensive experience in requirements definition, system design, and validation
• Strong background supporting large-scale or mission-critical software systems
• Ability to influence technical direction across programs or organizations

Highly preferred:

• Technical leadership experience on DoD, federal, or classified programs
• Deep familiarity with systems engineering methodologies and lifecycle processes
• Experience defining engineering standards, best practices, or reference architectures
• Formal mentorship or team leadership responsibilities
• Experience supporting highly regulated or high-assurance environments

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Top Secret with ability to obtain and maintain SCI

Work Type:

• Onsite in Colorado Springs, CO
• May require up to 15% travel

Salary Range:

• $165,000 - $210,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession withthemission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking,and collaboration is a norm.

Raft's core philosophy isUbuntu: IAm, BecauseWe are. We support our"nadi"by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.