Secure Software Developer

The Missions, Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Secure Software Developer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists developing and deploying systems that integrate chemical and biological (CB) sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and modeling and simulation tools to perform forensics and predict hazards for the Department of War. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a rapidly changing environment where the technologies and systems to integrate are always evolving and is focused on the end user experience.  Much of the software development will take place in small, decentralized teams requiring close communication with other developers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders. Representative tasks may include building interactive visualizations and dashboards for sensor analytics, user interfaces, coupling interfaces to background services with new sensor systems and physics-based models, applying STIGs, and implementing cyber security policies.

This position will place you in a team of engineers and scientists developing a suite of software tools used by the defense community, to include interactive training materials, weapons effects modeling and simulation applications, and artificial intelligence solutions to aid research and development projects. Systems must be hardened and secure to project national security.  Our culture encourages personal and professional growth by pushing the limits of technology while creating opportunities for cross-training and mentoring within the team. Candidates must be located within or willing to relocate to the National Capital Region.  Hybrid work is permissible depending on the evolving project requirements.

The Secure Software Developer may be required to:

• Build great customer experiences by developing the web-UI front-end for a vital Department of Defense / Department of War service


• Develop web interfaces to support operational decision making


• Deploy software on secure or standalone networks in accordance with Department of Defense/War requirements


• Support testing, evaluation, and demonstrations of software and related tools in unclassified and classified environments


• Integrate network security policies into system deployments


• Support system and network accreditations


• Containerize system components


• Apply Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGS)


• Cybersecurity tasking has included developing and refining Kubernetes Network Policies aligned with


• Take on new challenges and learn skills to enhance software performance in previously unanticipated ways

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, or related field


• 8-10 years of secure software development experience in the industry


• Strong Javascript, C++, and Java development skills


• Experience developing java web interfaces


• Experience with Git version control and JIRA ticketing system


• Experience deploying code with Kubernetes services


• Experience working in a team-oriented Agile development environment


• Experience applying STIGs


• Experience with Kubernetes and containerization


• US citizen


• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous support to the Department of Defense


• Advanced degree (MS) in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, software engineering, or related field


• Experience developing and deploying software to meet Department of Defense security requirements


• Experience with VUE.JS


• Experience with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK)


• Experience developing virtual reality applications


• Experience with Microservices


• Experience with DoD/DoW cybersecurity vulnerability scanning tools, such as SCAP and ACAS


• Experience with common code/container scanning tools, such as Fortify, Semgrep, SonarQube, Trivy and Grype


• Experience configuring Istio and Cilium resources in workload Helm Charts


• Experience configuring Cilium resources in workload Helm Charts


• Experience with certificate management in Kubernetes


• Secure Code Warrior training/certification


• CompTIA Security+, or equivalent (IAT-II baseline cert)


• CompTIA SecurityX, CASP+ CE, CISSP, or equivalent (IAT-III baseline cert)

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2300 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities, and freedom to grow and pursue work that they are passionate about. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Secure Software Developer position.