Software Engineer III - Secret clearance required

At PMAT, we work on mission critical systems that directly support the warfighter, designing, building, and securing modern digital capabilities across cloud, data, and software environments. Our teams tackle complex, real-world challenges where delivery matters more than theory, and innovation is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.

In this role, you will support PMW 160 by collaborating with engineers and operators to design, develop, and deliver resilient, mission‑focused solutions that enable and enhance national defense capabilities.

About the role: As a Software Engineer III, you will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, and evolving complex software solutions that enable mission‑critical naval capabilities. You will lead and mentor other engineers, shape technical approaches, and steward software quality across the full lifecycle—from requirements analysis and architecture through development, integration, test, deployment, and sustainment. Day to day, you will apply advanced software engineering principles and modern Agile/DevSecOps practices to solve challenging real‑world problems, integrate with diverse systems, and ensure solutions are performant, secure, and maintainable. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer who enjoys balancing hands‑on development with technical leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities: 

• Research, design, and develop complex computer and network software or specialized utility programs supporting mission‑critical Navy systems.


• Analyze user needs and operational requirements and develop robust software solutions, applying advanced principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.


• Architect and implement new capabilities, and update or enhance existing software to improve performance, reliability, scalability, maintainability, and security.


• Collaborate with project management, acquisition, logistics, security, and operations stakeholders to integrate hardware and software systems and to develop and refine technical specifications and performance requirements.


• Apply and champion modern software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevOps/DevSecOps), including CI/CD, automated testing, and continuous monitoring, to accelerate delivery and improve quality.


• Maintain and evolve databases and data access layers within application areas, ensuring data integrity, performance, and alignment with mission and cybersecurity requirements.


• Lead and participate in code reviews, technical design reviews, and engineering discussions to ensure adherence to best practices, standards, and architectural guidance.


• Mentor and guide junior and mid‑level engineers, providing technical leadership, coaching, and support to grow the team’s capabilities.


• Develop and maintain high‑quality technical documentation, including architecture and design artifacts, interface specifications, and user or operator documentation.

About Us: PMAT is an innovative small business founded with a passion for developing forward-leaning solutions from exceptional people that increase the mission's capability. We focus on designing and building impactful digital solutions that utilize modern cloud, data, and software concepts. Our passion is working on complex and progressive challenges such as edge platform computing, containerizing legacy platforms, distributed data platforms, or heterogeneous data analysis.

We recruit, retain, and foster a team motivated to pursue passions, investigate new ways of doing things, and embody an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in being curious about every element of a problem and experiment relentlessly. We foster continuous learning in an environment that encourages positive collaboration and expands our capabilities. We tap into collective intelligence, acknowledging that the most brilliant people may not be in the room.  Above all else, we believe that delivering and demonstrating is more potent than a sheet of paper.  We are passionate about mission-centric design and delivering effective capabilities to and for the warfighter.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just beginning your career, you’ll work alongside experts who are committed to solving mission-critical problems. If you’re passionate about using your skills to make a real difference, apply today and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of defense technology!

Required Skills and Experience:

• 10 years of professional experience with software engineering, delivering and sustaining production software systems.


• Experience applying programming concepts in a professional or advanced academic setting using one or more modern languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, or similar).


• Demonstrated experience analyzing user needs and operational requirements and translating them into effective software designs and implementations.


• Experience applying modern software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevOps/DevSecOps) in a professional environment, including participation in iterative planning, execution, and continuous improvement.


• Experience integrating software with other systems and services, and working collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders (e.g., project management, security, logistics, operations).


• Demonstrated ability to maintain and enhance existing software capabilities, including troubleshooting, performance tuning, and refactoring.


• Strong problem‑solving, debugging, and analytical skills with a track record of delivering high‑quality, maintainable solutions.


• Ability to provide technical guidance, inform design decisions, and mentor junior and mid‑level engineers.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Agile Developer certification or Certified Scrum Developer certification.


• Experience in DoD, Navy, or other federal government software development environments.


• Experience with secure coding practices, cybersecurity requirements, and working in or around RMF/IA‑driven environments.


• Experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated test frameworks.


• Experience with database design, performance optimization, and data migration in mission‑critical systems.


• Familiarity with containerization, microservices, and cloud‑native architectures.


• Experience leading technical design sessions and driving consensus on architectural decisions.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as engineering or mathematics (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Information Systems).


• Agile Developer certification or Certified Scrum Developer certification strongly preferred

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• US Citizenship required


• No dual citizenship


• Active Secret Clearance


• Active TS SCI clearance preferred

Location/Address: San Diego, CA area strongly preferred

Travel & Passport:

• Under 20% travel, primarily CONUS, to support customer engagement, integration and test events, and team coordination.


• OCONUS travel and a valid passport may be required for specific events or mission needs, as directed by the customer.

Work Environment: PMAT offices as needed. In some cases, work in a government facility may be required. Travel may be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

PMAT is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

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