Full-Stack Software Engineer, Senior

The Work

The Senior Full Stack Software Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, and delivery of the FDP system, leveraging a modern Postgres/Java/React technology stack. The engineer will collaborate closely with an existing, high-performing development team to implement features and capabilities required for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) release and subsequent increments. The ideal candidate has extensive experience delivering large-scale, enterprise-grade applications from initial concept through deployment, with a strong focus on quality, performance, security, and maintainability in an enterprise environment.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, test, and maintain both front-end and back-end components of the FDP application using Java, React, and Postgres.
• Integrate software components and third-party services; develop new custom capabilities; and enhance, refactor, and maintain existing codebases to improve reliability, scalability, and performance.
• Participate actively in all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including planning, requirements analysis, design, development, testing, quality assurance, deployment, and support.
• Conduct peer code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards, security best practices, and performance guidelines; provide constructive feedback and mentorship to other engineers.
• Participate in architecture and design sessions, contributing to the evolution of system architecture, technology selection, and technical standards.
• Support the automation and optimization of operations and maintenance (O&M) activities, including build, test, deployment, and monitoring processes.
• Collaborate closely with the Product Owner, Business Analyst, Test Engineer, and other stakeholders to ensure implemented features meet defined functional, technical, and acceptance criteria.
• Plan, configure, and execute application deployments, including version control management, build automation, and CI/CD pipeline execution (e.g., in GitLab or similar tooling).
• Ensure that application design and implementation comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements, enterprise security policies, and other applicable organizational standards.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across the full stack and propose robust, scalable solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending and implementing process, tooling, and technology enhancements that improve delivery speed, quality, and reliability.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional software development experience.
• Front-End Development:
  • Strong experience developing modern, responsive web applications using React.
  • Proficiency in JavaScript and TypeScript, including state management, component-based architecture, and integration with RESTful services.
• Back-End Development:
  • Strong experience with Java (e.g., Java 8+ and common frameworks) for building scalable, secure, and performant backend services and APIs.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and integrating with external services.
• Database Development:
  • Proficiency in SQL and relational database development, including schema design, query optimization, and stored procedures.
  • Experience with PostgreSQL (Postgres) strongly preferred.
• DevOps / Tooling:
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tooling (e.g., GitLab CI/CD), including automated builds, testing, and deployments.
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and container orchestration concepts.
• Methodologies & Practices:
  • Demonstrated experience working in an Agile environment (Scrum or Kanban), including participation in ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
  • Strong understanding of secure coding practices, code quality, and modern software engineering best practices.
• Top Secret Clearance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe toolsets, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, etc.
• Strong understanding of software development best practices.
• Ability to recommend and implement software upgrades.
• Experience in software maintenance and testing to ensure continued functionality.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of database management and integration.
• Understanding of web security best practices.
• Ability to document processes and code for future maintenance and upgrades.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting government or other regulated industry IT programs.
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility implementation and testing.
• Experience with secure SDLC practices and working within environments subject to security and compliance requirements.
• Experience with monitoring, logging, and application performance management tools.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

 Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment.
• Ability to work on site in Washington, DC.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.