Head of Engineering - Federal
- [job_card.full_time]
Job Description
About the Company
Armada is an edge computing startup that provides computing infrastructure to remote areas where connectivity and cloud infrastructure is limited, as well as areas where data needs to be processed locally for real-time analytics and AI at the edge. We're looking to bring on the most brilliant minds to help further our mission of bridging the digital divide with advanced technology infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed anywhere.
About the Role
The Head of Engineering – Federal will need to hold TS/SCI clearance to lead Armada's engineering organization responsible for TS/SCI, FedRAMP, and DoD-accredited programs. You will define technical strategy, guide multiple software teams, and ensure delivery of secure, high-performance systems across classified, air-gapped, and GovCloud environments. This position blends technical depth, federal program leadership, and clearance-level accountability to ensure Armada's platforms meet the highest compliance and mission standards.
You will work in close partnership with our VP of Federal, aligning engineering delivery with our Federal growth strategy, customer mission priorities, and compliance milestones. Together, you'll ensure that Armada's technology meets the technical, operational, and regulatory expectations of our federal partners.
Location. Seattle, WA (preferred) · Virginia / Washington, DC metro area · Austin, TX.
What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)
Security & Compliance
- Own technical readiness for FedRAMP Moderate/High and DoD Impact Level 4/5 environments.
- Partner with Security & Compliance to achieve and sustain Authority to Operate (ATO) certifications.
- Implement Zero Trust architecture, enclave segmentation, and continuous monitoring aligned with NIST 800-53, FISMA, and RMF.
- Lead vulnerability management, compliance automation, and audit evidence generation.
- Serve as the primary engineering contact for 3PAOs, assessors, and federal partners during accreditation.
Technical Leadership
- Define and execute the federal engineering roadmap for classified and edge deployments.
- Lead cross-functional teams building Galleon and Atlas software using Golang, Kubernetes, and distributed systems.
- Ensure architectures are secure-by-design and optimized for disconnected or tactical environments.
- Drive Agile execution and deliver high-quality, predictable releases.
- Provide mentorship and technical oversight across design, integration, and secure APIs.
Team Leadership
- Build and lead cleared and clearance-eligible software and infrastructure teams.
- Foster a mission-driven, inclusive culture emphasizing accountability, learning, and technical excellence.
- Partner with Recruiting to develop pipelines and onboarding processes for cleared engineers.
Operational Excellence
- Establish KPIs for velocity, uptime, SLA adherence, and compliance closure rates.
- Oversee DevSecOps pipelines, release management, and configuration control for secure enclaves.
- Drive Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and automation for distributed Galleon fleets.
- Continuously improve testing, monitoring, and post-ATO sustainment processes.
What You Bring
Required
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
- 10+ years in software or infrastructure engineering, including 5+ years leading multi-team organizations.
- Deep experience with backend and distributed systems (Golang, Python, or Java).
- Strong background in Kubernetes, container orchestration, and secure cloud or edge deployments.
- Proven experience delivering systems within FedRAMP or DoD-accredited environments.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
Preferred
- Experience with AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or similar secure cloud platforms.
- Familiarity with air-gapped or tactical edge deployments.
- Certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or FedRAMP Practitioner.
- Experience collaborating with system integrators, primes, or federal agencies.
Citizenship Requirements
For select roles, due to the nature of our clientele and the technologies involved, there may be specific nationality or citizenship indicated in the required qualifications section. These roles may involve access to sensitive information that is subject to export control regulations or other legal restrictions. In such cases, employment offers will be contingent upon your ability to comply with these requirements.
Compensation & Benefits
For U.S. Based candidates: To ensure fairness and transparency, the base salary range for this role for candidates in the U.S. are listed, varying based on location experience, skills, and qualifications.
In addition to the salary, this role will also be offered equity and subsidized benefits (details available upon request).
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and equity
- Medical, dental, and vision (subsidized cost)
- Health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and dependent care FSAs (DCFSA)
- Retirement plan options, including 401(k) and Roth 401(k)
- Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
- 15 paid company holidays per year
#LI-SM1
#LI-Hybrid
You're a Great Fit if You're
- A go-getter with a growth mindset. You're intellectually curious, have strong business acumen, and actively seek opportunities to build relevant skills and knowledge
- A detail-oriented problem-solver. You can independently gather information, solve problems efficiently, and deliver results with a "get-it-done" attitude
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment. You're energized by an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of working quickly, and excited to contribute to a growing company
- A collaborative team player. You focus on business success and are motivated by team accomplishment vs personal agenda
- Highly organized and results-driven. Strong prioritization skills and a dedicated work ethic are essential for you
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Armada, we are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone is given equal opportunities to thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, and compensation. Our hiring is guided by qualifications, merit, and the business needs at the time.
Unsolicited Resumes and Candidates
Armada does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies or recruiters. All candidates must apply directly through our careers page. Any resumes submitted by agencies without a prior signed agreement will be considered unsolicited and Armada will not be obligated to pay any fees.
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