The Arena
Full Stack Engineer - Senior with Security Clearance
The Arena, Washington, Washington, D.C., United States
Full Stack Engineer – Senior Location: Onsite | Washington, DC Clearance: Employment Type: Full-time, salaried, with full benefits
________________________________________________________________________________ About the Company: Our customer is a mission-driven technology company transforming how the U.S. defense and intelligence community leverages artificial intelligence. The company integrates cutting-edge AI, next-generation sensors, and advanced data solutions into operational environments—delivering capabilities that matter at the speed of mission. The problems they tackle are complex and high impact: accelerating decision-making, enhancing warfighter effectiveness, and shaping the future of defense technology.
________________________________________________________________________________ About the Role: This role involves end-to-end ownership of web-based solutions—from intuitive front-end interfaces to robust back-end services and secure data infrastructure—within classified environments supporting national security operations. ________________________________________________________________________________ Architect, build, and maintain full stack applications for secure cloud and on-premises deployments across Client’s mission systems. • Develop performant front-end experiences using React, Tailwind CSS, and TypeScript. • Build and secure server-side logic using Node.js and Python; Design and manage robust, scalable relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL); write advanced SQL queries and optimize performance. • Develop CI/CD pipelines for deploying to air-gapped, Secret, and Top Secret environments. • Interface with Client’s analysts, operators, and mission stakeholders to understand operational requirements and translate them into technical implementations. • 5+ years of experience in full stack development, with strong contributions across both frontend and backend systems. • Strong proficiency in: o Frontend: TypeScript, React/Next.js, Tailwind CSS, SSR, state management (Zustand, Redux, etc.) o Backend: Node.js, Python (with mypy), RESTful APIs, OAuth/JWT o Database: PostgreSQL/MySQL, schema design, migrations, stored procedures, query optimization o DevOps: Docker, GitHub Actions/GitLab Pipelines, semantic versioning, feature flags, AWS • Experience writing tests (unit and integration), using tools like Vitest or Jest. • Familiarity with secure software development in government or DoD environments. • Knowledge of Kafka/RedPanda or experience with streaming data systems. • Contributions to open-source projects or a public GitHub showcasing your development style and quality. • Experience deploying software in edge environments or disconnected networks. ________________________________________________________________________________ Benefits: • Equity participation
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage