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Job Description
This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require
U.S. citizenship
to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S. Who we are: Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. Our headquarters is in McLean, VA. Our clients include federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud ecosystems. We build digital solutions that impact millions of Americans. We're seeking an experienced Principal Backend Engineer to support our customers and join our passionate team of problem solvers. About the role: As a Principal Backend Engineer, you will lead the design and development of scalable, data-intensive backend systems that power Raft's products. You will architect and implement solutions using Golang and/or Java, ensuring security, performance, and reliability. You will mentor junior and mid-level engineers, write code, and solve complex technical challenges. You will also work with customers at deployment sites to gather feedback and improve product performance in operational environments. What we are looking for: 8+ years of experience in backend software engineering with expertise in Golang and/or Java Experience building and scaling data-intensive systems and distributed architectures Understanding of DevSecOps principles, including ICAM, Credential, and Access Management Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Helm charts, and Kubernetes operators Strong experience with cloud architectures and microservices design patterns Knowledge of data processing frameworks, streaming technologies, and high-throughput systems Understanding security best practices for enterprise and government systems Experience mentoring engineering talent Interest in emerging technologies and their potential impact Ability to design modular, extensible systems based on user needs Proficiency with Agentic AI coding tools (like Claude Code) and understanding their capabilities Excellent problem-solving skills and solution architecture abilities Strong communication skills for technical teams and customers Fast learner, analytical, creative, hands-on technical leader Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities Highly desirable: Experience in highly regulated industries (defense, aerospace, finance, healthcare) Familiarity with classification levels and secure development practices Experience with edge computing and tactical deployments Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure and data pipelines Experience with container orchestration in air-gapped environments Background in distributed systems, event-driven architectures, real-time data processing Experience working directly with customers in operational environments Contributions to open-source or technical publications Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; active Secret clearance preferred. Work Type: Remote, preferably in one of Raft's hubs: DC Metro, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Honolulu, Colorado Springs, Tampa. Travel up to 30% to customer sites. What we offer: Competitive salary Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision 401(k) with match PTO and paid holidays Education & training benefits Referral bonuses And more Our Vision: We bridge the gap between humans and data through transparency and our obsession with the mission. Customer Obsession: We approach every deliverable as a product, adopting a customer-obsessed mentality. Our culture emphasizes treating each other and our clients as customers, which helps us scale and succeed. Our Philosophy: Raft's core philosophy is
Ubuntu: I Am, Because We Are . We support each other and work collaboratively, valuing each team member's unique perspective. We celebrate our diversity and commitment to innovation and collaboration. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr
to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S. Who we are: Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. Our headquarters is in McLean, VA. Our clients include federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud ecosystems. We build digital solutions that impact millions of Americans. We're seeking an experienced Principal Backend Engineer to support our customers and join our passionate team of problem solvers. About the role: As a Principal Backend Engineer, you will lead the design and development of scalable, data-intensive backend systems that power Raft's products. You will architect and implement solutions using Golang and/or Java, ensuring security, performance, and reliability. You will mentor junior and mid-level engineers, write code, and solve complex technical challenges. You will also work with customers at deployment sites to gather feedback and improve product performance in operational environments. What we are looking for: 8+ years of experience in backend software engineering with expertise in Golang and/or Java Experience building and scaling data-intensive systems and distributed architectures Understanding of DevSecOps principles, including ICAM, Credential, and Access Management Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Helm charts, and Kubernetes operators Strong experience with cloud architectures and microservices design patterns Knowledge of data processing frameworks, streaming technologies, and high-throughput systems Understanding security best practices for enterprise and government systems Experience mentoring engineering talent Interest in emerging technologies and their potential impact Ability to design modular, extensible systems based on user needs Proficiency with Agentic AI coding tools (like Claude Code) and understanding their capabilities Excellent problem-solving skills and solution architecture abilities Strong communication skills for technical teams and customers Fast learner, analytical, creative, hands-on technical leader Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities Highly desirable: Experience in highly regulated industries (defense, aerospace, finance, healthcare) Familiarity with classification levels and secure development practices Experience with edge computing and tactical deployments Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure and data pipelines Experience with container orchestration in air-gapped environments Background in distributed systems, event-driven architectures, real-time data processing Experience working directly with customers in operational environments Contributions to open-source or technical publications Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; active Secret clearance preferred. Work Type: Remote, preferably in one of Raft's hubs: DC Metro, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Honolulu, Colorado Springs, Tampa. Travel up to 30% to customer sites. What we offer: Competitive salary Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision 401(k) with match PTO and paid holidays Education & training benefits Referral bonuses And more Our Vision: We bridge the gap between humans and data through transparency and our obsession with the mission. Customer Obsession: We approach every deliverable as a product, adopting a customer-obsessed mentality. Our culture emphasizes treating each other and our clients as customers, which helps us scale and succeed. Our Philosophy: Raft's core philosophy is
Ubuntu: I Am, Because We Are . We support each other and work collaboratively, valuing each team member's unique perspective. We celebrate our diversity and commitment to innovation and collaboration. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr