Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Clarity Innovations · Herndon, VA

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • $113,000 – $345,000
  • Posted 2026-09-18
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, highly adaptable software engineer who thrives in complex environments, seamlessly bridging the gap between strategic infrastructure design and hands-on development. With deep expertise spanning Linux operating systems, version control administration, and the strategic deployment of virtual machines and container orchestration, this engineer expertly tailors technical solutions to the mission at hand. They are adept at evaluating project requirements to choose the right tools for the job—whether deciding between compiled and scripted languages, breaking down complex features into actionable tasks, or engineering ingenious synchronization workflows for disconnected.

Beyond their technical acumen, this candidate is a collaborative force multiplier deeply committed to mission success. They actively look forward to partnering with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers, expertly taking prototypes and refining them into robust, rigorously tested tools with a reliable release cycle. Driven by a customer-centric mindset and transparent communication, this engineer is capable of making complex software practices accessible to non-technical peers. They bring a wealth of practical, real-world experience—ready to share their journey through technical "story-time"—and are eager to channel their problem-solving expertise into tangible, impactful results for the team and the broader mission.

Role Expectations

• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience.

• Works to achieve operational objectives with a major impact on the job area and/or departmental results.

• Responsible for improving processes, systems, or work methods to enhance the performance of the function.

• Influences stakeholders within and outside the immediate work area regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

• Provides guidance, coaching, or training to other professionals within the job area.

• Requires advanced knowledge of the job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Contract Specific Qualifications

• Competent and comfortable with compiled (e.g., C/C++, Golang) and scripted (e.g., Python, JavaScript) programming languages

• Very experienced and skilled with Linux-based operating systems and utilities

• Very experienced with virtual machines, containers, and container orchestration tools

• Very experienced with code management, feature planning, task tracking, and knowledge collection (e.g., GitLab, Jira, Confluence)

• Focused on automating testing, packaging, and releasing to production

• Great communicator and mentor for younger and/or non-SWE coworkers

• Relentless focus on what the customer asks for and a track record of meeting the customer's needs

• Comfortable setting up and maintaining virtual machine and network environments to stage, test, and vet releases

Salary Range: $113,000 - $345,000
Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indicati

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